[Food intake during and outside Ramadan]

ABSTRACT

We explored the effect of fasting in the month of Ramadan on the dietary pattern of a group of 130 healthy adults. During Ramadan, there was an increase in total energy intake, as a result of protein and lipid intake but not carbohydrate intake compared to the diet througout the rest of the year, in both students and parents. The meal eaten after sunset was an important contributor to calories [65%], lipids [74%], proteins [71%] and carbohydrates [56%]. These findings show the eating behaviour during Ramadan may contribute to improved nutritional status of people at risk of nutritional deficiency