EFFECTS OF RAMADAN FASTING ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS

Abstract

Introduction: Holy month Ramadan lasts for about 29-30 days. It is mandatory for all adult individuals of the Islamic faith to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, healthy Muslims do not eat or drink (i.e., total abstinence from food and fluids) and refrain from tobacco, daily from pre-dawn until dusk. Materials and Methods: The present study included healthy adult male and female Muslim volunteers from different towns in the Republic of North Macedonia. The number of subjects in the study was 195. Blood samples from all subjects were collected twice during the study - once 2-3 days prior to the beginning of Ramadan and then again, the last day of Ramadan fasting. The following biochemical parameters were taken into consideration: total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose, insulin, total proteins, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine and uric acid. Results: It was observed that compared to pre-fasting levels, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly decreased (P=0.000) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level had significantly increased (P=0.000); total proteins were significantly increased (P=0.000); albumins were significantly increased (P=0.004); urea was significantly increased (P=0.004); total and direct bilirubin were significantly increased (P=0.000), glucose was significantly increased (P=0.000); there was no change in insulin levels (P<0.1) Conclusion: This study showed that Ramadan fasting has an effect on biochemical parameters. We can conclude that reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides along with a rise in levels of HDL-C have beneficial effects on lipid profile post-Ramadan fasting period.