Related Experiment Videos
Gorging and plasma HDL-cholesterol--the Ramadan model
M Maislos1, Y Abou-Rabiah, I Zuili
1Department of Medicine, Toor Institute, Israel.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 20, 1998
Summary
Observing the Ramadan Fast, a single evening meal (gorging) significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) by 23% after four weeks. This dietary change effectively boosted HDL without altering other key lipoproteins or body mass index.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Studies
Background:
- Ramadan Fast involves abstaining from food and liquids during daylight hours.
- A single large evening meal (gorging) is consumed after sunset during Ramadan.
- The impact of this eating pattern on plasma lipids and lipoproteins requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of a single evening meal (gorging) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in individuals observing the Ramadan Fast.
- To compare lipid profiles of fasting individuals with non-fasting controls.
Main Methods:
- Sequential measurement of plasma lipids and lipoproteins.
- Study included 22 healthy individuals fasting during Ramadan and 16 non-fasting controls.
- Measurements were taken before, during (weeks 1, 2, 4), and after Ramadan.
Main Results:
- Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) significantly increased by 23% at week 4 (P < 0.001).
- HDL levels returned to baseline four weeks post-Ramadan.
- Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and Lp(a) showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged gorging during Ramadan effectively increases plasma HDL-cholesterol.
- This non-pharmacological method is well-tolerated and does not negatively impact other lipoproteins, biochemical parameters, or BMI.
- Dietary changes during Ramadan fasting can positively influence specific lipid profiles.