Impact of Ramadan on Body Composition in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Case Study

This case study examined the impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body composition in elite youth soccer players competing in Europe. Ramadan fasting poses unique physiological challenges for athletes, yet research in elite youth populations remains limited.

Three male elite youth soccer players (aged 17-18 y) were monitored during Ramadan 2025. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the start and end of Ramadan. Variables included body mass (BM), lean BM, fat mass, fat-free mass, percentage body fat, and bone mineral density. Players maintained their usual training schedule and received tailored nutritional support, including periodized carbohydrate intake (5-10 g·kg BM-1) and protein targets (1.8-2.2 g·kg BM-1).

Body composition was largely maintained across the fasting period. Players A and C showed negligible changes. Player B demonstrated a notable reduction in BM (-2.21 kg), primarily due to decreased lean BM (-2.12 kg), despite stable fat mass. Bone mineral density remained unchanged for all players.

Informed support strategies can help maintain body composition during Ramadan in elite youth soccer players but players may experience negative consequences and reductions in lean BM, indicating a need for individualized monitoring and intervention. Further research should explore dietary compliance and training load interactions to optimize performance and health during Ramadan intermittent fasting.