The Influences of the Religious Tradition of Ramadan on Dietary Intake and Body Composition in Adolescent Athletes: An Evidence-to-Practice Review

Abstract

When participating in the religious tradition of Ramadan, the body is subject to changes that adjust an athlete's regimented dietary intake. The guiding systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to gather the results of the limited research on the effect of Ramadan observance on body mass, body composition, and dietary intake in adolescent athletes. Data were extracted from two different databases, and a search through several journals exploring body mass and/or body composition and/or dietary intake was conducted. The methodological quality of each study was assessed via QualSyst. No significant differences were found when comparing the body mass, body composition, body fat percentage, lean mass, and dietary intake pre-Ramadan and throughout Ramadan. Body mass remained unchanged from pre-Ramadan to the first week of Ramadan, from pre-Ramadan to the second week of Ramadan, or from pre-Ramadan to the fourth week. Body composition did not change from pre-Ramadan to the first week of Ramadan or from pre-Ramadan to the fourth week of Ramadan. Body fat percentage did not change from pre-Ramadan to the second week of Ramadan or from pre-Ramadan to the fourth week of Ramadan. Lean body mass was unchanged from pre-Ramadan to the fourth week of Ramadan. Finally, the dietary intake of total energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and water did not change throughout Ramadan. Therefore, adolescent athletes continuing to train throughout the duration of Ramadan observance has no effect on body mass or composition and dietary intake.