ABSTRACT
During Ramadan fasting quantity and quality of dietary intake may change. There was no data on nutrient patterns in Ramadan fasting. The purpose of this study was to identify Ramadan major nutrient patterns among those who fast in Tehran, Iran. 510 fasting people aged 18-65 years and BMI 18.5-40 Kg/m2 were recruited in our study by 2-stage cluster sampling method in June-July 2014. Data on the socio-demographic and physical activity level were collected by questionnaire. Usual diet during Ramadan was estimated by valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. BMI was calculated based on measured height and weight. Three nutrient patterns derived by conducting principal component factor analysis on 30 major nutrients. Micronutrient and fiber pattern which characterized by high intake of vitamin K, total fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, beta-carotene, folate, vitamin B12, potassium and calcium was adversely associated with weight [b=-0.16, P= 0.004]. High protein pattern had great loadings on protein, riboflavin, phosphorous and zinc which physical activity level was decreased by tertiles of this pattern [b=0.13, P=0.02]. High carbohydrate pattern which presented high positive loadings on carbohydrate and thiamin and negative loading on total fat, poly unsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids was positively associated with BMI [b= 0.12, P=0.03]. Adherence to different Ramadan nutrient patterns is associated with weight, BMI and physical activity level. People on high carbohydrate pattern may have a higher BMI and low micronutrient density diet that should be considered in Ramadan fasting nutrition educational programs
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess public knowledge about the effects of Ramadan fasting on various aspects of health and its association with fasting decision-making. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 subjects. The association between fasting and participants' knowledge and attitudes toward Ramadan fasting, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, depression, anxiety, stress, dietary intake, and prior history of diseases was evaluated. The results indicated an adverse correlation between negative attitudes towards the effects of Ramadan fasting and adherence to fasting [P<0.0001]. The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders was higher in the non-fasting group [P=0.002]. No significant association was found between other investigated variables and fasting adherence. It seems that negative thinking about the effects of Ramadan fasting may be inversely associated with fasting decision-making. Therefore, evidence-based educational programs may improve public knowledge and encourage fasting among eligible people