Effect of fasting therapy on vitamin D, vitality and quality of life. A randomized control trial

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the effects of prolonged fasting (10 days) in the vitamin D, B12 levels, body mass index (BMI), weight, hemoglobin, vitality and quality of life (QoL) compared to normal diet. MethodsThis randomized control trial included 52 participants (aged 19-74 years) randomized in to a fasting group (FG) or a normal diet group (NDG) with 26 participants in each group. The study was conducted at an in-patient setting where the FG were on a fasting diet (500 kCal/day) which included holy basil herbal tea, lemon honey juice and water (3 L). The NDG (1500 kCal/day) consumed routine diet that included Indian breads, pulses, steamed rice, vegetable salads and beverages. ResultsThe FG has shown significant increase in the Vitamin D levels (p=0.003, d=0.475), vitality (p=0.006, d=0.425), physical QoL (p<0.001, d=0.549), psychological QoL (p=0.002, d=0.488), environmental QoL (p=0.004, d=0.457) compared to NDG. No significant changes were observed in Vitamin B12, weight, BMI, hemoglobin and social QoL. A weak to moderate ({rho}= 0.330-0.483) positive correlation was observed between vitality scores and QoL domains, whereas BMI scores showed an inverse correlation ({rho}=-0.280) with vitamin D levels. DiscussionThe results suggest that prolonged fasting can improve the vitamin D levels, vitality and promote quality life compared to normal diet. Unlike previous studies FG does not differ from NDG with respect to weight and BMI. Nevertheless, fasting may be utilized as an effective tool to tackle vitamin d deficiency and associated health insufficiencies. Trial RegistryClinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2022/02/040446.