Effects of Ramadan fasting on physical performance and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters in middle-distance runners

Abstract

The Ramadan fasting (RF) period is associated with changes in sleep habits and increased sleepiness, which may affect physical performance in athletes, and may induce metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory disturbances. In 8 middle-distance athletes (25.0 +/- 1.3 years), a maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) test was performed 5 days before RF (day -5), and on days 7 and 21 of RF. The same days, saliva samples were collected to determine cortisol and testosterone concentrations before and after the MAV test. Blood samples were collected before RF (P1), at the end of RF (P2), and 1 week post RF (P3). Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, a mediator of sleepiness and energy availability, were determined. We also evaluated changes in metabolic and hormonal parameters, mood state, and nutritional and sleep profiles. During RF, mean body mass and body fat did not statistically change. Compared with day -5, MAV values decreased at days 7 and 21 (p < 0.05, respectively), while testosterone/cortisol ratio values did not change significantly. Nocturnal sleep time and energy intake were lower at day 21 than before RF (day 0/P1) (p < 0.05). At the end of RF (day 31), the fatigue score on the Profile of Mood States questionnaire was increased (p < 0.001). For P2 vs. P1, IL-6 was increased (1.19 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.13 pg.mL-1; p < 0.05), melatonin levels were decreased (p < 0.05), and adrenalin and noradrenalin were increased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). At 7 days post RF, all parameters recovered to pre-RF values. In conclusion, RF is accompanied by significant metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory changes. Sleep disturbances, energy deficiency, and fatigue during RF may decrease physical performance in Muslim athletes who maintain training. Reduction of work load and (or) daytime napping may represent adequate strategies to counteract RF effects for Muslim athletes.

Effect of Ramadan fasting in Saudi Arabia on serum bone profile and immunoglobulins

“…However, studies on Muslims practicing Ramadan fasting gave conflicting results, with some reporting beneficial effects on metabolism [Adlouni et al 1997[Adlouni et al , 1998Maislos et al 1993), and others reporting increased metabolic and endocrine dysregulation [Chennaoui et al 2009;Fedail et al 1982;Gumaa et al 1978]. The Islamic world extends over a wide range of geographic locations, with different dietary habits and social practices.…”

Activity Patterns, Body Composition and Muscle Function during Ramadan in a Middle-East Muslim Country

“…sprinting, dribbling and jumping), the decrement is often minimal and sometimes performance is unaltered or even improved [ [ 5 , 6 , 8 , 14 , 19 , 37 ] , while others have noted no change in body mass [ 10 , 23 , 24 , 32 ] , or in the body mass index [ 18 ] . The decrements in body mass observed during Ramadan have been attributed to fat loss [ 8 ] , due to an increase in lipid oxidation in response to fasting [ 24 ] . Alternatively, it has been suggested that lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism are not dramatically aff ected during Ramadan [ 29 ] .…”

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.…”