Ramadan Fasting in Germany (17-18 h/Day): Effect on Cortisol and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Association With Mood and Body Composition Parameters.

Ramadan fasting (RF) is a type of diurnal intermittent fasting. Previous studies reported the benefits of RF in healthy subjects on mood and health related to quality of life (QoL). Cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been shown to play a role in mood, body composition parameters, and health-related QoL. This study aimed at elucidating the mechanism of the benefit of RF, particularly cortisol and BNDF and their association with mood and QoL. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and myoglobin were determined. Thirty-four healthy men and women were recruited. Serum from peripheral venous blood samples was collected at five time points: 1 week before RF (T1); mid of RF (T2), last days of RF (T3), 1 week after RF (T4), and 1 month after RF (T5). The amounts of biological mediators in the serum samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Luminex assays. BDNF and cortisol significantly decreased at T3 (p < 0.05) and T4 (p < 0.001) compared to T1, respectively. It seems the benefits of RF for mood-related symptoms are mediated by different biological mediators, particularly cortisol and BDNF.

A Prospective Clinical Trial of Prolonged Fasting in Healthy Young Males and Females-Effect on Fatigue, Sleepiness, Mood and Body Composition.

Fasting during a long period (17-18 h/day) may affect daily performance. Fatigue is one of important parameters to observe for this effect. This study aimed to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF)-particularly on fatigue in both young males and females. Sleepiness, mood-related symptoms (MRSs) and body composition (BC) were determined, too. Thirty-four young males and females were recruited and performed RF. They were assessed for fatigue, sleepiness, MRS and BC at T1 (one week before RF), T2 (mid of RF), T3 (last days of RF), T4 (one week after RF) and T5 (one month after RF). The assessments were done in the morning, except for fatigue and sleepiness, which were also assessed in the afternoon and evening of T1 to T5. This study observed numerous positive effects to RF. After they began fasting and compared to T1, participants experienced (1) significantly less fatigue; (2) small to large improvement of MRSs; and (3) positive changes relating to BC. RF did not appear to have a significant effect on participants' sleepiness scores. Ultimately, this study illustrates how prolonged fasting, like RF, benefits the youth, particularly by decreasing fatigue, improving MRSs and positively impacting BC.