Oxidant and antioxidant parameters in people who fast during Ramadan, and those who do not

BACKGROUND: Objectives: The main aim of this study was to compare, by a new automated colorimetric method, oxidant and anti-oxidant status of those who fast during Ramadan and those who do not. For this purpose, total oxidant status (TOS), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were analysed. By doing this, we hope to examine whether fasting has any beneficial effect on human health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty seven people were included in this study. Of these, 30 people had been fasting during the month of Ramadan for at least ten years, but 27 had never fasted in their life. On the 15(th) day of Ramadan, blood samples were obtained from both groups after 12 hours of fasting. RESULTS: The TAC levels of the fasting group (1.29±0,19) was quite higher than the non-fasting group (1,09±0,16) [EIC2][ICD3] [ICD4](p< 0.001). Similarly, in the fasting group TOS level and the OSI (respectively 12,77±2,23 and 1,01±0,25) was quite lower [EIC5][ICD6][ICD7] than in the non-fasting group (respectively 14,15±2,04 and 1,33±0,30), (p<=0.019 and p<0.001, respectively). These findings show that the TOS level of non-fasting group was high. This oxidative stress might cause various illnesses. Therefore, fasting could play a significant part in health-protection by increasing total anti-oxidant capacity.