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Does Ramadan fasting affect expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects?
Mirza M F Subhan1, Qamar A Siddiqui, Mohammed N Khan
1Department of Physiology (29), College of Medicine, PO Box 2925, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mfsbeg@ksu.edu.sa
Saudi Medical Journal
|November 16, 2006
Summary
Ramadan fasting does not significantly alter expiratory flow rates in healthy individuals. However, post-fasting measurements showed increased forced expiratory flow rates (FEF), potentially linked to body mass changes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Ramadan fasting involves daily periods of abstaining from food and drink.
- Potential physiological impacts of fasting on respiratory function require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on expiratory flow rates in healthy subjects.
- To determine correlations between fasting-induced changes in expiratory flow and other physiological variables.
Main Methods:
- An unmatched case-control longitudinal study was conducted with 46 healthy, non-smoking participants.
- Lung function tests measuring expiratory flow rates and body mass were performed before, during, and after Ramadan.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in body mass was observed during Ramadan compared to pre- and post-Ramadan periods.
- No significant changes in overall expiratory flow rates were detected during Ramadan.
- Forced expiratory flow rates at 75% (FEF(75)) and between 75%-85% (FEF(75-85)) of vital capacity increased significantly post-Ramadan.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan fasting does not adversely affect expiratory flow rates in healthy individuals.
- Increased FEF(75) and FEF(75-85) post-Ramadan may be attributed to shifts in body water and fat content.
- The observed body mass reduction is likely due to nutritional changes rather than dehydration, especially during winter fasting periods.
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