Physiological and Psychological Effects of Medically Supervised Fasting in Young Female Adults: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background Large-scale empirical and observational studies confirm the safety and efficacy of short-term intermittent fasting; however, prolonged fasting (fasting for more than two days or more) is not well studied. This study investigated the safety, physiological, and psychological effects of a medically supervised fasting (MSF) regimen on healthy volunteers. Methods In this observational study, 117 female participants with an average age of 21.02 (± 1.45) years underwent 10 days of medically supervised fasting. Daily symptom scores and 24-hour food recalls were collected, along with serum levels of vitamin D and calcium, a complete blood count, anthropometric measurements, quality of life (QoL), and subjective mood, anxiety, and depression scores, at the baseline and at the end of fasting. Results Compared to baseline, significant improvements were observed in vitamin D levels (z = -8.79, p = 0.000), calcium levels (z = -4.08, p = 0.000), red blood cell count (z = -4.61, p = 0.000), and hemoglobin levels (z = -5.57, p = 0.00). Improvements were observed in physical QOL (t (116) = -4.51, p = 0.000); psychological QOL (t (116) = -4.70, p = 0.000); and social QOL (t (116) = -2.68, p = 0.008). We also observed significant reductions in body weight (55.83 (±11.38), 52.99 (±10.94); p = 0.00) and other anthropometric measures. More than 80% (n = 94) experienced at least one symptom associated with fasting. The symptoms associated with fasting changed significantly (p<0.05), with most symptoms peaking from day 3 to day 7 of fasting with remission from day 8 onwards. Conclusion Our findings suggest that MSF is associated with significant improvements in physiological and psychological variables. The symptoms associated with MSF are to be considered in clinical decision-making, and follow-up of patients on fasting therapy, particularly during the peaking of symptoms, may be warranted.

Therapeutic Fasting and Vitamin D Levels: A New Dimension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention and Management—A Brief Report

“…Earlier studies also reported MSF up to 10 days can improve the vitamin D levels. [11][12][13] A growing body of literature suggests the role of vitamin D in improving type 2 diabetes-related clinical outcomes by attenuating insulin resistance and priming the endocrine functions of the pancreas. 2,4,5 A meta-analysis study revealed the beneficial effect of vitamin D in reducing fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1C), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with diabetes mellitus and deficient vitamin D status.…”

“…8 Therapeutic fasting has been shown to increase vitamin D levels in both healthy volunteers and chronic disease patients. [11][12][13] However, the role of therapeutic fasting in improving the vitamin D levels in T2DM patients is less understood. The present observational study is therefore intended to explore if the 10-day medically supervised fasting (MSF) has any potential impact on vitamin D, vitamin B12, fasting blood sugar levels, anthropometric measures, quality of life, and disease perception in T2DM patients.…”