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Alterations in anthropometric, inflammatory and mental health parameters during Ramadan intermittent fasting in a group of healthy people: a prospective cohort study.
Fasting has been a long tradition throughout various regions and for many reasons. Among these practices, Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), characterized by periods of abstaining from all food and drink, stands out as a prevalent form of spiritual fasting. Research has highlighted the impact of RIF on physical health, mental wellness, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Investigating how RIF influences biological factors is key to understanding its benefits. This study analyzed a range of biological markers connected to mental health, such as ß-nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and others, to observe their response during RIF. Participants were divided into two groups: 25 individuals observed a fasting regimen, and 25 did not fast. Measurements were taken at four intervals for the fasting group and two for the non-fasting group. Techniques like Human Magnetic Luminex and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were deployed to measure these markers in blood samples. Additionally, we conducted correlation studies between these biological markers and previously studied health and mental well-being indicators. Our results revealed significant changes in the fasting group for certain markers, suggesting that RIF can influence these biological markers in ways that may be beneficial to health. The fasting and non-fasting groups did not show significant differences at the initial and mid-point assessments. However, our analysis found associations between changes in these markers and various health and mental state indicators, underscoring the potential health benefits of RIF through its effect on these biological markers.
Year: 2024
