The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the metabolic profile, anthropometry and blood pressure has been investigated in multiple studies. However, it is still unknown to what extent changes in nutrient intakes contribute to these changes.
This observational study was conducted in London (UK) in 2019. The study collected diverse data from a community-based sample in London before and during/after Ramadan. Collected data included a 3-day food diary (before and during Ramadan), as well as blood samples, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure (before and after Ramadan). The food diary was translated into nutritional data using nutrition software “Nutritics.” The changes in nutrient intakes were investigated using a mixed-effects regression model. The impact of adjusting for nutrient intake change was investigated on the absolute difference of metabolites (Nightingale platform), systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measures.
The study collected data on food intake before and during Ramadan from 56 participants; the mean age was 44.7 ± 17.3, and 51.8% (
Diet changes during Ramadan were associated partially with the observed changes in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry. This confirms the changes associated with RIF in the metabolic profile, blood pressure and anthropometry are not an absolute physiological response to the diet transition occurring during Ramadan.