Is Ramadan fasting associated with low scores of Healthy Eating Index?

Abstract

Background: intermittent fasting diets that reduce or completely restrict food intake for specific periods have become more popular in recent years. Fasting in Ramadan is also an example of these intermittent fasting practices. In fasting practices focusing on the duration of nutrition, less emphasis was placed on the information on the dietary pattern. Objective: this study aims to evaluate the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and diet quality in fasting individuals in Ramadan. Material and methods: this study was a cross-sectional study, conducted with adults aged 18-65 years. Food consumption record was taken with a 24-h-record with food consumption form. Diet quality and adequacy were assessed with the HEI, Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR), and Average Adequacy Ratio (MAR) from food consumption records. Results: according to study results, HEI and NAR Ca scores were statistically significantly lower in the fasting group than in the non-fasting group (p < 0.05). In the non-fasting group, HEI scores showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) and waist-hip ratio (r =-0.023, r =-0.148, p < 0.05). Conclusion: this study claimed that fasting might be associated with low scores of HEI. These results suggest that specific nutritional recommendations should be developed for fasting individuals.