Unexpected changes in blood pressure and hematological parameters among fasting and nonfasting workers during Ramadan in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of Ramadan fasting on basic hematological parameters, in addition to the effects on body weight and blood pressure of fasters and nonfasters. Design, setting, and subjects: One hundred male outdoor workers at a vehicle terminal in a city in East Java were recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements and blood sampling were conducted on two separate occasions, just before the start of Ramadan and in the third week of the month of Ramadan (October-November 2004). The degree of subjective compliance with Ramadan fasting (complete, partial, or none) was evaluated using a questionnaire. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of the fasting group was, as expected, significantly lower at the second sampling period, and the decrease in BMI correlated significantly with decreased blood pressure in this group. The blood pressure was also reduced in the partial fasting and nonfasting groups, which was an unexpected result. While red blood cell production was suppressed, as evidenced by lower levels of hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) at the second sampling, the subjects were normocytic and normochromic, based on normal mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels. Conclusions: These results indicate that, regardless of fasting status, blood pressure is lower and RBC production is suppressed in subjects during the Ramadan period. These findings should be taken into account when evaluating the effects of Ramadan on the general population. To avoid the adverse effects of anemia, increased intake of iron-rich foodstuffs is recommended during the Ramadan month, regardless of fasting practice.

Impact of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Oxidative Stress Measured by Urinary 15-F2t-Isoprostane

“…In agreement with previous studies [18–20, 27, 28], our study indicated a significant reduction in body weight during Ramadan. This weight loss could be attributed to the decrease in fat mass% [27] and/or the decrease in fluid intake and the partial dehydration rather than a decrease in energy intake since weight loss was relatively small and retained to baseline values after Ramadan [20].…”

“…These mechanisms favor a predominant lipolytic state [15], with a higher tendency to utilize fat rather than glucose as a source of energy [19], and hence a higher fat oxidation. The increased fat oxidation during Ramadan was also reported previously [15, 19, 28]. …”

A critical review of current evidence, perspectives and research implications of diet-related traditions of the Eastern Christian Orthodox Church on dietary intakes and health consequences

“…Despite the fact that these dietary guidelines have been in use for more than 1,700 years and have been described in numerous publications and languages, their potential implications for health have only recently (after the year 2002) begun to be investigated; unlike adherents of Christian dogmas and religions, such as the Seventhday Adventists (Willett 2003), Muslims and Buddhists for which the relevant literature is abundant (Frost and Pirani 1987;Temizhan et al 2000;Dewanti et al 2006;Lee and Krawinkel 2009).…”

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Serum Biochemical Markers of Cellular Damage in Healthy Subjects

“…Studies conducted on the effects of Ramadan fasting on energy metabolism indicated increased fat oxidation [3] and reduced metabolism [7] in fasting subjects. Some hematological studies concluded that responses to different aggregating agents were reduced, resulting in increased bleeding and coagulation time [8] , and that red blood cell production is suppressed [9] during Ramadan. Hormonal studies showed altered cortisol levels [10] and endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns [11,12] .…”