African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12487

Full Length Research Paper

Ramadan fasting influences on food intake consumption, sleep schedule, body weight and some plasma parameters in healthy fasting volunteers

F. Haouari-Oukerro1, M. Ben-Attia2, N. Kaâbachi3 and M. Haouari1*
1Ecole Supérieure de la Santé de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1006 Tunis, Tunisie. 2Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisie. 3Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hôpital la Rabta, 1006 Tunis, Tunisie.  
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 01 September 2011
  •  Published: 22 May 2013

Abstract

This study examines the changes in the lifestyle that accompanied Ramadan fasting. For this purpose, we followed the questionnaire programming meals, food consumption and sleep rhythm. We also followed changes in plasma biological parameters. The results show that daily energy consumption was not changed and neither was the body weight. Nevertheless, a decrease in fat mass was detected.Concerning  plasma, we found a decrease in blood glucose from the 7th day of fasting. This effect was found also at the 21st day, accompanied by a reduction in insulin levels. Our results on plasma lipids showed a decrease in triglycerides with total cholesterol level unchanged. Furthermore, we noted an increased HDL-C against a decreased LDL-C fraction. Taken together, these results suggest that fasting may induce beneficial effects in blood lipid concentrations.

 

Key words: Ramadan fasting, food intake consumption, sleep schedule, body weight, plasma parameters, healthy fasting volunteers.