Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Oxidative Stress and Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance

Introduction: Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar during which people abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset .This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on oxidative stress. Methods: Overall, 23 individuals (16 males and 7 females), within the age range of 25-65 years, participated in this study. One week before Ramadan, 10 cc venous blood samples were drawn after 8-10 hours of fasting; the same procedure was undertaken at the end of Ramadan (27th day). Some portions of serum samples were used immediately to measure pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance. Results: The results did not show any significant change in oxidative stress level. Moreover, gender did not have any significant relationship with changes in oxidative stress level. However, oxidative stress significantly increased in fasting patients with coronary artery disease. Conclusion: It seems that Ramadan fasting does not have a significant effect on oxidative and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance; however, further studies are required in this area.

Keywords:

Oxidative Stress , Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance , Ramadan Fasting