The Effect of the Coptic Orthodox Christian Fasting On Dietary Intake and Some Biochemical Parameters.

To assess the dietary intake and some biochemical parameters of Coptic Orthodox Christian during fasting compared with non-fasting subjects. Fifty-two voluntary Egyptian Orthodox Christian fasters were enrolled in this study and thirty-two matching non-fasters served as controls. The results showed significant reduction intake in energy, total fat, saturated fatty acid and sodium, while a significant increase of percent of energy from carbohydrate, magnesium and potassium when compared with control. The results of biochemical parameters showed significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein, while showed significant increase in BUN/Creatinine ratio when compared with control. There were significant increase and decrease in plasma iron and plasma Zinc and Copper, respectively. No significant change in plasma Magnesium, Calcium and Phosphorus were detected. Food intake of Egyptian Orthodox Christian fasting rituals showed benefit effects towards blood lipid levels. These benefit effects are so important in prevention of chronic disease. Vegetarian diets used in this type of fasting must be balanced for avoiding deficient in micronutrients.