Evaluation of Self-Perceived Changes in Gastrointestinal Symptoms During Ramadan Fasting

Little is known regarding the effects of Ramadan fasting on common gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the alterations of these symptoms in a healthy Iranian adult population during Ramadan. In a cross-sectional study, self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate the alterations in seven groups of gastrointestinal symptoms (esophageal symptoms, dyspeptic symptoms, bloating and abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea) after Ramadan. A total of 900 individuals participated in the study. Almost 87 % of participants reported to fast for at least 2 weeks during Ramadan. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found no relationship between alteration in frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and Ramadan fasting, except for constipation which increased significantly after Ramadan fasting (odds ratio 1.99, 95 % confidence interval 1.05-3.80, P < 0.05). In addition, those who fasted for at least 2 weeks reported to experience severe or very severe constipation-related symptoms three times more in comparison with those who fasted for less than 2 weeks (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between severity of other gastrointestinal symptoms and Ramadan fasting. We found that Ramadan fasting does not increase frequency and severity of common gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population except for constipation that may be experienced more frequently and severely among those who fast for 2 weeks or more.