Dietary intake and body composition of football players during the holy month of Ramadan

Abstract

Healthy young male football players who were either fasting (n = 59) or not fasting (n = 36) during the month of Ramadan were studied. Body mass, body composition, and dietary intake were assessed at each time point. Energy intake was relatively stable in the fasting participants, but there was a small decrease of approximately 0.7 kg in body mass during Ramadan. Mean daily energy intake increased from 14.8 MJ (s = 2.9) to 18.1 MJ (s = 3.2) during Ramadan in non-fasting participants, with concomitant increases in body mass and body fat content of about 1.4 kg and 1% respectively over the month. The fractional intake of protein increased and the fractional contribution of carbohydrate decreased for both groups in Ramadan. Estimated mean daily water intake was high (about 3.8 litres) throughout the study period. Water intake increased on average by 1.3 litres . day(-1) in line with the greater energy intake in the non-fasting group in Ramadan. Daily sodium intake fell during Ramadan in the fasting participants from 5.4 g (s = 1.1) before Ramadan to 4.3 g (s = 1.0) during Ramadan, but increased slightly by about 0.7 g . day(-1) in the non-fasting group. Dietary iron decreased in the fasting group and increased in the non-fasting group, reflecting the difference in energy intake in both groups during Ramadan. These data suggest that Ramadan fasting had some effects on diet composition, but the effects were generally small even though the pattern of eating was very different. After Ramadan, the dietary variables reverted to the pre-Ramadan values.

Precompetition taper and nutritional strategies: special reference to training during Ramadan intermittent fast: Figure 1

“…However, the time frame between finishing a meal and undertaking training might cause some difficulties, as some athletes cannot tolerate strenuous exercise soon after eating, and this may result in the athlete restricting food intake before training. The use of night-time snacks to meet any energy and fluid deficits may therefore be an important adjunct to dietary intake during Ramadan 26 64 65…”

Effect of Ramadan fasting on some biochemical and haematological parameters in Tunisian youth soccer players undertaking their usual training and competition schedule

“…This may be accompanied by a reduction in the intake of carbohydrate to compensate for an increased intake of fat and protein, resulting in a relatively constant energy intake (El Ati, Beji, & Danguir, 1995). A change in body mass may or may not be observed (see Maughan, Bartagi, Dvorak, & Zerguini, 2008), and there may be an increased reliance on fat oxidation (El Ati et al, 1995), a decrease in the basal metabolic rate (Husain, Duncan, Cheah, & Ch'ng, 1987) and in the resting metabolic rate as measured in the afternoon (Sweileh, Schnitzler, Hunter, & Davis, 1992). However, any changes in body mass, nutrient intake (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals), and nutritional status that take place during the Ramadan fast may depend on the level of physical activity of the individuals (Chaouachi et al, 2007;Ramadan, Moussa, & Telahoun, 1994).…”

The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition

“…For instance, Al-Hourani HM surveys showed that body weight and BMI decreased noticeably during fasting periods (8).The reduction of body weight has been reported quite repeatedly, but the connection between weight loss and body fat reduction is not often studied (9). Inconsistent findings have also been reported, regarding the effects of fasting on body composition (10,11). Some investigations did not find any significant changes in body weight or body composition during Ramadan (10)(11)(12).…”

“…Inconsistent findings have also been reported, regarding the effects of fasting on body composition (10,11). Some investigations did not find any significant changes in body weight or body composition during Ramadan (10)(11)(12). Effect of Ramadan on biochemical parameters is still a debatable issue.…”