Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Macronutrients and Micronutrients Intake: An Essential Lesson For Healthcare Professionals

Introduction: significant changes have been reported in the dietary regimen of fasting muslims during ramadan compared to the other months of year. the present study aimed to assess the effects of ramadan fasting on macronutrient and micronutrient intakes in fasting individuals. methods: in total, 119 participants were visited twice (before ramadan and during the third week of ramadan). nutrient intakes were determined using the food frequency questionnaire (ffq) and based on a three-day food intake recall during ramadan and other months. in addition, data on the weight, height, and other demographic variables of the subjects were obtained. results: one-sample t-test indicated the significantly higher intake of calories, total fats, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, vitamin a, carotene, total vitamin a, vitamin b2, vitamin b12, vitamin c, niacin, and phosphorous compared to the recommended dietary allowance (rda) before ramadan (p<0.05). however, the dietary intake of carbohydrates, fibers, polyunsaturated fats, folate, cooper, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and sodium was significantly lower than the rda before ramadan. in addition, paired sample t-test showed that the intake of calories, carbohydrates, fibers, total fats, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, vitamin a, carotene, total vitamin a, vitamin b1, vitamin c, itamin e, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, and sodium significantly decreased after three weeks of fasting. however, only the intake of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fibers, total fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, cholesterol, vitamin a, carotene, vitamin b2, vitamin b6, vitamin c, vitamin e, folacin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, and sodium was significantly lower during the third week of ramadan compared to the rda, while the intake of vitamin a and niacin was significantly higher than the rda during ramadan. conclusion: according to the results, there was a significant reduction in the dietary intake of some micronutrients during ramadan, which implies the nutritional recommendations in the selection of proper foods by fasting individuals.