Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolism and Antioxidant Status in Male Soccer Players

Because of inconsistent results that does exist we tried to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on athletes’ general health antioxidant activity and metabolism. 21 healthy male volunteer football players who were continued on their regular exercise during Ramadan were studied and the results were compared with controls who were not on fasting, and the blood samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting in two occasions (One day prior to Ramadan start and in the end of Ramadan in both group). Total antioxidant capacity was also measured in both groups. The data were compared using t test for independent and paired samples. Fasted (Age: 22.61±3.83 yrs, Height: 174.12±6.33 cm and weight: 69.61±15.05 kg) and Control (Age: 24.7±3.54 yrs, Height: 172.98±5.44 cm and weight: 67.74±10.15 kg) fasting state doesn’t cause a significant changes in FBS, Urea, creatinine, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, ASP, AST, ALT, hs-CRP, body weight, fat mass, lean body mass and also total antioxidant capacity (P>0.05). Continuation of regular football training doesn’t have any complications or health hazard in those who are practicing Ramadan fasting.