Nutrition in fasting and non-fasting women during the great orthodox lent

Introduction: During the Great Lent orthodox Christians abstain from meat, eggs and dairy for seven weeks. Fish and oils are allowed on certain days only. This leads to substantial changes in diet composition during this period. Aim: To compare nutrition of fasting and non-fasting women in Moscow. Methods: Daily intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and their fractions, water- and fat-soluble vitamins, macro-, micro- and ultra trace elements as well as the total caloric content of diet was estimated in 33 fasting and 32 non-fasting women during the Lent. Nutrition was assessed by frequency analysis using Nutrilogic software. Results: Fasting women had significantly higher intake of carbohydrates (412 g vs. 174 g) and fiber (42 g vs. 17 g), but lower intake of cholesterol (74 mg vs. 401 mg) and saturated fats (18 g vs. 30 g). Fasting women were less likely to consume insufficient amounts of vitamins B1 (12% vs. 91%), B3 (52% vs. 91%), B5 (52% vs. 91%), B6 (48% vs. 88%), B9 (42% vs. 94%) and E (24% vs. 72%), potassium (6% vs. 41%), magnesium (21% vs. 91%), iron (18% vs. 81%) and copper (3% vs. 41%). P < 0.001 for all comparisons. All women consumed insufficient amount of vitamin D with food. Conclusion: Diet of fasting women had more favourable macro- and micronutrient composition and was richer in vitamins except vitamin D. This dietary pattern may be associated with health benefits in fasting women. ©2021 г