The effects of Ramadan Fasting on Growth Parameters: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center , School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Ramadan fasting is prescribed by Quran for every able‐bodied, adult Muslim and is considered an obligatory act of worship. During Ramadan, the majority of Muslims eat two major meals- one before dawn (Sahar) and another immediately after the sunset (Iftar). Islamic fasting, due to its particular nature, may cause metabolic and hormonal changes in the body, which are different from those in regular fasting. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive study has been conducted on changes in growth parameters during fasting periods. Therefore, the aim of this review, which is based on scientific literature review, was to describe the effects of fasting on growth parameters in humans.

Keywords


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