The Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Biochemical Substances Relating to the Renal and Bone Function of Fasting Pregnant Women, 2011-2012

Introduction: The effect of fluid and food restrictions on biochemical substances relating to the renal and bone function of pregnant women is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of fluid and food restriction on the following substances in pregnant fasting women during Ramadan: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphates (ALP). Material and Methods: Thirty fasting pregnant women voluntarily participated in this prospective descriptive study. The serum levels of BUN, Cr, P, and ALP were measured at the baseline, and on the 7th, 14th, and 28th days of Ramadan; the measurements were also performed 2 weeks after this month. The statistical significance was defined as P<0.05 and the analyses were performed using SPSS version 11.5. Results: As to the results of the present study, the weight and body mass index (BMI) of women didn’t change during the experiment. BUN and Cr increased significantly by the 2nd week of Ramadan; however, no differences were observed between BUN and Cr values at the end of Ramadan and two weeks after it (P> 0.05); also, Cr didn’t change during Ramadan and 2 weeks after it (P> 0.05). Moreover, no differences in P and ALP levels were noticed between the end of Ramadan and two weeks after it (P> 0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, there is no sufficient evidence regarding the adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on biochemical substances relating to the renal and bone function of pregnant fasting women.