Effects of Periodic Religious Fasting for Decades on Nutrient Intakes and the Blood Biochemical Profile

Nutrients

Petros Skepastianos¹  Sousana K. Papadopoulou²  Maria Hassapidou²  Anthony Kafatos³  Nikolaos E. Rodopaios³  Alexandra-Aikaterini Koulouri³  Eleni Vasara⁴  Anatoli Petridou⁵  Vassilis Mougios⁵ 

[1] Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, International Hellenic University, Thermi, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Thermi, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;Department of Social Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003 Iraklion, Greece;Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thermi, 57000 Thessaloniki, Greece;

关键词: biochemical profile;    macronutrients;    elements;    nutrient intake;    periodic fasting;    vitamins;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu13113963

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The aim of the present study was to examine differences and correlations in nutrient intakes and serum parameters related to nutrient intake (lipid profile, vitamins, and trace elements) in 200 lifelong Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasters with periodic abstinence from certain foods (predominantly of animal origin) for approximately half of the year and 200 non-fasting controls, all of whom did not take dietary supplements. Nutrient intakes were assessed through three-day dietary recalls. Blood samples were drawn for the analysis of potential biomarkers of nutrient intake. Fasters had lower energy intake, due to lower fat and protein intake, compared to non-fasters (p < 0.05). Fasters also had lower intakes of vitamins A, B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂, D, folate, pantothenate, sodium, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus. Most participants (in both groups) did not meet the recommended dietary allowances of most vitamins and elements. Most serum biochemical parameters did not reflect the differences in nutrient intakes between groups, and none exhibited a correlation coefficient above 0.5 with nutrient intakes. Our findings suggest that COC fasting is associated with reduced intake of many nutrients, although this does not seem to have an impact on the blood biochemical profile.

【 授权许可】

Unknown