[Food intake during and outside Ramadan]

Area of Science:

• Nutrition science
• Dietary patterns
• Human physiology

Background:

• Ramadan fasting involves daily periods of abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
• Understanding dietary changes during Ramadan is crucial for public health and nutritional guidance.
• Previous research has shown varied effects of Ramadan fasting on nutrient intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Ramadan fasting on the dietary patterns of healthy adults.
• To quantify changes in energy, macronutrient intake, and meal composition during Ramadan.
• To assess the potential nutritional benefits of Ramadan eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 130 healthy adults (students and parents).
• Comparison of dietary intake during Ramadan with the rest of the year.
• Analysis of macronutrient and energy contributions from meals, particularly the post-sunset meal.

Main Results:

• Total energy, protein, and lipid intake increased significantly during Ramadan compared to other times of the year.
• Carbohydrate intake did not show a significant increase during Ramadan.
• The meal consumed after sunset was a major contributor to daily intake, providing a substantial percentage of calories, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Conclusions:

• Ramadan fasting leads to significant alterations in dietary patterns, characterized by increased energy, protein, and lipid consumption.
• The post-sunset meal plays a critical role in the dietary adjustments during Ramadan.
• These eating behaviors observed during Ramadan may offer a pathway to enhance the nutritional status of individuals susceptible to nutritional deficiencies.