Effects of Ramadan fasting on lean body mass in the older people

In Islam, Ramadan fasting is a unique model that is associated with the restriction of food and fluid intake. We aimed to estimate the physiological effects of Ramadan fasting on muscle function and muscle mass in the older people.

A random sample was recruited from healthy older Muslims people aged 60 years and older, who expressed an intention to fast for 30 days during the month of Ramadan. Walking speed was expressed in meters per second (m/s). Muscle strength was assessed by hand grip strength (HGS) with a dynamometer. A Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (BodystatQuadScan 1500, UK) was used for the evaluation of body composition. Dietary data of the patients during Ramadan were obtained by a 43-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

The mean age [Standard Deviation(SD)] of the older people was 66.7(4.7) years of age and 50% were females. There were no significant changes in body weight, muscle function and muscle mass before and after Ramadan fasting in both genders. The mean SMI, mean (SD) kg/m², values of females and males with adequate milk and yogurt consumption before and after Ramadan fasting were 8.03 (0.75) kg/m² and 8.43(1.03) kg/m² for females (p = 0.133) and 10.11(0.79) kg/m² and 10.35 (0.93) kg/m² for males (p = 0.59), respectively.

Ramadan fasting supplied no risk for muscle function and muscle mass in the older people. If the older people consume enough milk and yogurt in Ramadan, they may not loss muscle mass.