Fasting under supervision: improvements discovered in young women

Fasting under supervision: improvements discovered in young women

A scientific study published in July 2023 examined the safety and effects of medically supervised fasting (MSF) over a period of ten days in healthy volunteers. This form of fasting, in which food intake is severely restricted or stopped completely for more than two days, has so far been little researched. The participants in the study, 117 women with an average age of just over 21, were questioned daily about their symptoms and their eating habits. In addition, blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the fast to analyze various health markers such as vitamin D and calcium levels, red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. Measurements such as body weight and other body dimensions were also taken and the participants were questioned about their quality of life and psychological well-being.

The results of the study showed that medically supervised fasting was associated with significant improvements in various physiological and psychological parameters. For example, vitamin D and calcium levels improved significantly, which could indicate positive effects on bone health. There was also a positive development in red blood cells and hemoglobin content, which may indicate an improved oxygen transport capacity in the blood. Interestingly, over 80% of participants experienced at least one fasting-related symptom, with the intensity of symptoms peaking between the third and seventh days of the fast and decreasing thereafter.

For the scientific and medical fields, these results could mean that a well-monitored fasting program could potentially be used as a method to improve overall health and prevent certain diseases. However, the study authors emphasize that the symptoms associated with fasting should be taken into account in clinical decision-making and that careful follow-up is essential for patients undergoing fasting therapy, especially during peak periods of symptoms.

Basic concepts:

–MSF (Medically Supervised Fasting): A form of fasting that is under medical supervision to ensure that the fasting person's health is not endangered.
–Vitamin D: A vitamin important for bone health that also plays a role in the immune system.
–calcium: A mineral that is central to bone and dental health.
–Red blood cells: cells in the blood that carry oxygen throughout the body.
–hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.
–Quality of life: A measure of a person's overall well-being, including physical, psychological and social aspects.
–Anthropometric measurements: Measurements of the body, such as weight and body dimensions, to assess body composition.

This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of long-term fasting and may pave the way for further research in this area, particularly regarding the adaptation and monitoring of fasting programs for specific health goals.

Important results of research on medically supervised fasting

The present study investigates the safety, physiological and psychological effects of medically supervised fasting (MSF) in healthy volunteers over a period of ten days. With 117 female participants with an average age of 21.02 years (+/- 1.45 years), the study provides substantial insights into the effects of this fasting method.

methodology

As part of this observational study, daily symptom surveys and dietary recalls were conducted over 24 hours. In addition, serum levels of vitamin D and calcium, a complete blood count, anthropometric measurements as well as quality of life (QoL) and subjective mood images including anxiety and depression ratings were collected at the beginning and at the end of the fast.

Results

• Signifikante Verbesserungen wurden bei den Vitamin-D-Spiegeln (z = -8.79, p = 0.000) und Kalziumspiegeln (z = -4.08, p = 0.000) festgestellt.
• Die roten Blutzellen (z = -4.61, p = 0.000) und Hämoglobinwerte (z = -5.57, p = 0.000) zeigten ebenfalls signifikante Verbesserungen.
• Verbesserungen gab es auch in den Bereichen der physischen (t (116) = -4.51, p = 0.000), psychologischen (t (116) = -4.70, p = 0.000) und sozialen Lebensqualität (t (116) = -2.68, p = 0.008).
• Signifikante Reduktionen wurden in Bezug auf Körpergewicht (55.83 (±11.38) zu 52.99 (±10.94); p = 0.00) und weiteren anthropometrischen Maßnahmen beobachtet.
• Mehr als 80% der Teilnehmerinnen (n = 94) erlebten mindestens ein Symptom, das mit dem Fasten assoziiert wurde. Die Symptome änderten sich signifikant (p<0.05), wobei die meisten Symptome zwischen dem dritten und dem siebten Fastentag ihren Höhepunkt erreichten und ab dem achten Tag abklangen.

conclusion

The findings suggest that MSF is associated with significant improvements in physiological and psychological variables. Symptoms occurring during fasting should be taken into account in clinical decision-making, especially when monitoring patients undergoing fasting therapy, especially when symptoms reach their peak.

The study significantly contributes to existing research by providing detailed insights into the effects and safety of medically supervised fasting for periods longer than two days, an area that has been little researched to date. The results support the hypothesis that MSF can be a safe and effective method to improve overall health.

For further information and a detailed view of the study, please visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37602022.