The effects of Ramadan fasting and physical activity on body composition and hematological biochemical parameters

Hunger and reduction in regular energy intake can lead to a number of problems based on their intensity. For instance, low energy level can cause blood cell production to decline or it may pose a higher risk of anemia. It can also weaken the immune system and platelet aggregation or negatively affect clot formation. This study aimed to have a closer look at fasting and regular physical activity and their impacts on body composition and blood hematological-biochemical parameters among professional wrestlers. In this semi-experimental study, 9 subjects were selected by convenience sampling. The selected training program included participation in this exerciseprogram, 90 min per session, 6 times per week for a period of one month. Blood samples were obtained four times: before the start of Ramadan, 2 weeks after the start, during the last week and 2 weeks after the end of Ramadan. To make intra-group comparison, repeated measure analysis of variance was used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was considered at P. Body weight and red blood cell count (RBC) dropped significantly at the end of Ramadan (Respectively P= 0.001 and P=0.034). However, the number of white blood cells (WBC) and circulating platelets (PLT) significantly increased during fasting (Respectively P= 0.048 and P=0.042). As a matter of fact, PLT and WBC were the only factors which dramatically increased during fasting. Intra-group variations of tetracycline (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), LDL: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG): HDL and TC: HDL reduced at the end of Ramadan. However, HDL levels ​​drastically increased during fasting (P≤0.05). Based on the results of the research, despite being a regular activity and fasting has beneficial effects on lipid profile in athletes, however, they can with tangible changes in hematological factors may lead to weaken the immune system of athletes.