The Effects of Ramadan Fasting and Physical Activity on Blood Hematological-Biochemical Parameters

Objective(s): Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a religious obligation and belief for healthy adult Muslims. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Ramadan Fasting and physical activity on ` Blood Hematological-Biochemical Parameters'. Materials and Methods: In this study, twenty-six healthy males in two experimental groups were compared in two different instances before and after the training period. The groups which were selected by convenience sampling method were divided into two non-active fasting (n=13) and active fasting (n=13) groups. For comparison purposes between groups, paired and independent sample t-test was performed, respectively, after ensuring their normality within a significance level of P=0.05. Results: HDL-C increased significantly in both active and non-active fasting groups, Moreover, amount of hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), TC, LDL, VLDL, LDL/ HDL and TC/ HDL decreased significantly. Amount of hemoglobin (Hgb) and glucose reduced significantly in the active-fasting group. The variation of the means between the groups in the Hgb index and LDL/ HDL were statistically significant. Conclusion: Fasting during the month of Ramadan by regular physical activity caused positive alterations in Hematological-Biochemical Index. These changes may be due to the alterations in diet, biology response of the body to the starving and physical activity during this month.