Effects of Ramadan fasting on serum low-density and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations

The aim of the study was to determine the status of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in human subjects during Ramadan fasting. Fasting during Ramadan (one month of food and water intake restricted only to night hours) is a religious obligation for Muslims. There are biochemical effects of changes in lifestyle during Ramadan. This report is a study of the effects of Ramadan fasting on the serum LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations.

The study group consisted of 83 volunteers comprising 57 males (aged 21-55, mean 34.25+/-9.81 years) and 26 females (aged 20-58, mean 34.58+/-8.94 years). A regimen of one month of food and water intake restricted only to night hours was followed by the subjects. Subjects were evaluated one week before Ramadan fasting (pre-RF), two weeks after the start of Ramadan fasting (mid-RF), and at the fourth week of Ramadan fasting (end-RF). Serum specimens were obtained from subjects during daylight hours. Measurement of LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were performed using a spectrophotometer.

Our results showed statistically significant reduction of the LDL-cholesterol concentrations in midRamadan and end of Ramadan compared to concentration levels before Ramadan. Also, the results showed statistically significant elevation in the HDL-cholesterol concentrations in mid-Ramadan and end of Ramadan compared to levels before Ramadan.

The findings suggest the potential usefulness of Ramadan fasting in the restriction of fat intake which is associated with further lowering of serum cholesterol. These findings should influence future studies on hyperlipidemia.