Effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women

Abstract

BackgroundDietary modification via caloric restriction is associated with multiple effects related to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health. However, a mandated reduction in kilocalories is not well-tolerated by many individuals, limiting the long-term application of such a plan. The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the Biblical book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.Methods43 subjects (13 men; 30 women; 35 ± 1 yrs; range: 20-62 yrs) completed a 21 day period of modified food intake in accordance with detailed guidelines provided by investigators. All subjects purchased and prepared their own food. Following initial screening, subjects were given one week to prepare for the fast, after which time they reported to the lab for their pre-intervention assessment (day 1). After the 21 day fast, subjects reported to the lab for their post-intervention assessment (day 22). For both visits, subjects reported in a 12 hr fasted state, performing no strenuous physical activity during the preceding 24-48 hrs. At each visit, mental and physical health (SF-12 form), resting heart rate and blood pressure, and anthropometric variables were measured. Blood was collected for determination of complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, insulin, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Subjects' self-reported compliance, mood, and satiety in relation to the fast were also recorded. Diet records were maintained by all subjects during the 7 day period immediately prior to the fast (usual intake) and during the final 7 days of the fast.ResultsSubjects' compliance to the fast was 98.7 ± 0.2% (mean ± SEM). Using a 10 point scale, subjects' mood and satiety were both 7.9 ± 0.2. The following variables were significantly (p < 0.05) lower following the fast as compared to before the fast: white blood cell count (5.68 ± 0.24 vs. 4.99 ± 0.19 103·μL-1), blood urea nitrogen (13.07 ± 0.58 vs. 10.14 ± 0.59 mg·dL-1), blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (14.74 ± 0.59 vs. 11.67 ± 0.68), protein (6.95 ± 0.07 vs. 6.77 ± 0.06 g·dL-1), total cholesterol (171.07 ± 4.57 vs. 138.69 ± 4.39 mg·dL-1), LDL-C (98.38 ± 3.89 vs. 76.07 ± 3.53 mg·dL-1), HDL-C (55.65 ± 2.50 vs. 47.58 ± 2.19 mg·dL-1), SBP (114.65 ± 2.34 vs. 105.93 ± 2.12 mmHg), and DBP (72.23 ± 1.59 vs. 67.00 ± 1.43 mmHg). Insulin (4.42 ± 0.52 vs. 3.37 ± 0.35 μU·mL-1; p = 0.10), HOMA-IR (0.97 ± 0.13 vs.0.72 ± 0.08; p = 0.10), and CRP (3.15 ± 0.91 vs. 1.60 ± 0.42 mg·L-1; p = 0.13), were lowered to a clinically meaningful, albeit statistically insignificant extent. No significant difference was noted for any anthropometric variable (p > 0.05). As expected, multiple differences in dietary intake were noted (p < 0.05), including a reduction in total kilocalorie intake (2185 ± 94 vs. 1722 ± 8...

Effects of lenten fasting on body composition and biochemical parameters

“…Certain authors have found a significant decrease in TC and LDL-C during Ramadan, Greek Orthodox fasting and Daniel fasting. 13,14,20,31,32 In scientific literature, results are conflicting for triglycerides and HDL-C. 13,14,17,20,33 LDL / HDL and TC / HDL ratio decreased significantly at the end of the study.…”

“…Indeed, a decrease in the systolic blood pressure and an improvement of lipid profile have been reported. 13,14,[18][19][20] Contrary to others religious fasting the effects of Catholic fasting are not well studied in scientific literature. During Catholic fasting one intraday mea lis allowed with a frugal diet in the morning and evening.…”

The Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with a Plant-Based Diet

“…The degree of compliance has often been very high. For instance, one study obtained a 99% compliance [131]. In a 22-week study 94% of subjects on a vegan diet were compliant [121].…”

Influence of a 6-month modified or traditional Daniel Fast on measures of health in men and women

“…For mood, vitality, and satiety, participants rated each item using a scale of 1-10 (1=as low as possible; 10=as high as possible). These data were based entirely on self-report and we used the same questions as in our prior research of the DF [1][2][3][4].…”

“…The dietary restriction model known as the Daniel Fast (DF) is a stringent plant-based plan shown to yield multiple health-related benefits when followed for a 21-day period [1][2][3][4]. The DF is considered to be a partial fast, in which restrictions are simply placed on the type of foods that may be consumed but not on the amount of food.…”