The effect of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in healthy men

Alsubheen, Sana'a A. (2016) The effect of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in healthy men. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The study aimed to examine the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on substrate partitioning, energy production, blood lipids and glucose as well as body composition. Nine healthy Muslim men (FAST group) and eight healthy men (CNT group) were assessed pre- and post-RF. FAST were additionally assessed at 10ᵀᴴ , 20ᵀᴴ and 30ᵀᴴ day of RF in the morning (a.m.) and evening (p.m.). Results showed a significant reduction in body mass and fat mass in FAST with no statistical differences pre- vs. post-RF for all other variables in both groups. A significant daytime fasting effect [a.m. vs. p.m.] on substrates oxidation (fat and carbohydrate) and blood parameters (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) was observed. In conclusion, although RF brings about an acute metabolic response that shifts substrate partitioning towards lipids, no chronic metabolic response was observed despite the extended daily fasting period (18.0±0.3 hrs) and changes in body composition.

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