Abstract
Introduction: The literature on the health aspects of Ramadan fasting (RF) is widely spread in
many journals.
Materials and Methods: This is a narrative review of data obtained from the PubMed database (National Library
of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States). We used the search term “Ramadan
fasting,” and relevant records were examined. The publications are narrated thematically.
Results: The publications spanned fundamental, clinical, professional, cultural, and advocacy
facets. The publications crossed conventional disciplinary lines and geographical
locations and appeared in journals with different access systems. The contents are
presented under the themes that emerged depending on the retrieved literature. This
year basic coverage included changes in physiology and nutrition during Ramadan. However,
the clinical issues included a wide range of topics. These included the impact of
RF on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and adjustments needed in endocrine replacement
therapy for hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Coverage also included chronic
kidney disease. The impact on maternal health, fetal well-being, and long-term effects
of RF exposures were addressed in several studies. Studies in cardiovascular medicine
focused on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. Sports medicine and athletes'
well-being received somewhat prominent coverage. The impact on renal function, particularly
in patients with chronic kidney disease, was investigated by a few authors. Several
groups addressed the eyes' structure and function, neurological conditions, especially
headache disorders, and hematological and oncological conditions. Finally, the impact
of RF on several aspects of mental health and well-being was addressed by various
groups.
Conclusions: Health aspects of RF received a sustained academic interest with a broad spectrum
in 2021. This narration provides an overview of the year's scholarly health-related
literature on various aspects of health and disease. It should help researchers and
clinicians catch up quickly with the health concerns during Ramadan.
Keywords
cardiovascular - endocrine - literature - nutrition - physiology - pregnancy - professional
- Ramadan - renal - research - sports medicine
