Recommended Guideline for Designing and Interpreting of Ramadan Fasting Studies in Medical Research

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Ramadan fasting is specific intermittent fasting comprising significant changes in routine lifestyle pattern and may affect body homeostasis and metabolism. In spite of several studies conducted on the effects of Ramadan fasting on various aspects of health and disease, because of heterogeneity in methodology and procedures (sometimes inevitable), a comprehensive concluding for reliable results as in most conditions is impossible. Based on basic studies and those have been conducted in this field, this paper suggests a checklist contains, as far as possible, important factors to be considered in designing, interpreting and comparing the results of Ramadan fasting studies. Accordingly, circadian rhythm, season/latitude sensitivity, serum osmolarity and, lifestyle changes (including dietary intakes, physical activity, sleep quality and duration, smoking and, etc.) may be of great importance. Also, a close definition of the number of fasting days and it consecutively or alternatively must be presented with reference to sex. Appropriate time points for blood/urine sampling would be varied case by case.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health
Volume 3, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
December 2015
Pages 156-165

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 November 2015
  • Revise Date: 12 January 2016
  • Accept Date: 30 December 2015

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