The effect of last meal “Suhoor” timing on diurnal variations in cognitive performance during Ramadan fasting among female athletes

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the timing of the last meal, “Suhoor”, on diurnal variation in cognitive performance during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). In a randomized order, 26 adolescent female athletes (aged 15.9 ± 0.9 y) were tested in three sessions at 7:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. across four different conditions: the 10 days preceding Ramadan (PR); the final 12 days of Ramadan (RO): two different conditions: Early Suhoor (SEarly), and Late Suhoor (SLate); and, ultimately, the 10 days immediately after Ramadan (AR) with an in-between recovery period of ≥24 h. During each test session, the oral temperature (OT), simple reaction time test (SRT), choice reaction time test (CRT), attention test (ATT), and mental rotation test (MRT) were evaluated. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and daily diary intake were assessed across the three periods. Compared to PR, the sleep parameters assessed by the PSQI were significantly lower during the RO and AR periods. However, neither total dietary intake nor OT showed any changes due to RIF. Compared to PR, the afternoon performances of SRT, CRT, ATT, and MRT significantly declined under both the SEarly and SLate conditions. Notably, midday performance decreased only during SLate, while morning performance remained unaffected in both conditions. Additionally, compared to SEarly, these performances were better during SLate in the afternoon and at midday. In summary, nutrient intake timing had a significant effect on the diurnal fluctuations in cognitive functions during Ramadan fasting, particularly around noon and in the afternoon. Our results illustrate the benefits of a late last meal (Suhoor) in preserving optimal morning cognitive abilities and preventing any impairment during the fasted state at midday or in the afternoon, which could affect overall athletic performance.

The impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on psychomotor and cognitive skills in adolescent athletes

“…While engaging in sports and exercise during RIF has been related to various benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, as well as community involvement, it has been also associated with various risks of dehydration, low blood sugar, fatigue, and delayed recovery ( 9 ). Furthermore, previous data did not support the association of RIF with any changes in dietary intake in both male ( 10 ) and female athletes ( 2 , 11 ). However, an athlete's capacity to focus their cognitive resources on internal or external stimuli plays a pivotal role in achieving success particularly in team ball sports.…”

“…The decline in cognitive skills related to RIF could be partially explained by the lack of or inadequate predawn meal (Suhoor or Sahour) timing, quantity, and/or quality among athletes. Recent findings in female athletes indicate the association between nutrition timing during RIF and the variation in cognitive ( 2 ) and physical ( 52 ) performance throughout the day, particularly at midday and in the afternoon. A late last pre-dawn meal was advantageous to preserve better cognitive and physical performance in the morning and prevent any decrease during the midday or afternoon fast.…”

“…Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained attention for its potential health benefits and impact on body composition, especially in patients with prevalent contemporary health issues ( 1 ). This diet, which is prevalent worldwide in various forms, includes specified periods for fasting ( 2 ). Examining various diets, such as IF, has grown in popularity among athletes as an approach that can improve their health, performance, and ability to adapt to exercise ( 3 ).…”

“…Examining various diets, such as IF, has grown in popularity among athletes as an approach that can improve their health, performance, and ability to adapt to exercise ( 3 ). Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), characterized by daily fasting from food and drink, presents a particular challenge that could affect athletic performance ( 2 ). The rising demands of modern sport, coupled with the increasing number of Muslim athletes in Western (non-Muslim) countries, has prompted sports scientists to study the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on athletic performance during and after the month.…”

Morning–evening differences of short-term maximal performance and psychological variables in female athletes

“…In this context, previous studies that were conducted among female athletes demonstrated better performance during afternoon sessions concerning short-term high-intensity performance (Bougrine et al, 2022;Graja et al, 2020;Oleka, 2020). In this context, previous studies revealed that cognitive and high-intensity physical performance among female athletes depend of time of day with improvements observed in the afternoon (Bougrine et al, 2022;Bougrine et al, 2023;Bougrine et al, 2024). Nonetheless, during the past few decades, women's participation in physical activity and sports has increased substantially.…”