Doha: Most parents are eager to train their children to observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, yet they often overlook important medical considerations for safe fasting, especially in later childhood. Consultant Pediatrician at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Mohammed Sinan Al Hajjaji, has provided crucial medical guidelines on this matter.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Hajjaji cautioned that full fasting is not advisable for children under seven due to their limited glycogen stores and increased susceptibility to blood sugar drops. He pointed out that children require continuous energy intake for brain development, suggesting that gradual fasting-such as fasting until noon or the afternoon prayer-may be more appropriate, provided the child is healthy, of normal weight, and free from chronic illnesses that necessitate medical consultation before fasting.
Dr. Al Hajjaji also highlighted potential positive health effects of fasting in older children, including improved dietary discipline, reduced random snacking, and theoretically improved insulin sensitivity. While adult studies have shown benefits of intermittent fasting, such as reduced insulin resistance, similar long-term studies in children are lacking. Additional benefits could include enhanced fat utilization, aiding weight management in obese children, and developing tolerance to hunger, which regulates hunger and satiety signals and reduces reliance on quick sugars.
The consultant also discussed possible negative effects, such as hypoglycemia, especially in children under 10, due to lower glycogen reserves and higher metabolic rates. Symptoms like dizziness, sweating, headache, lethargy, or fainting may indicate low blood sugar. Other risks include dehydration in hot climates or active children, with signs like headache, reduced concentration, and low blood pressure. Academic performance might be affected initially, though this usually improves after a few days. Changes in sleep patterns are common, as children often alter routines, leading to disrupted biological clocks affecting hormones, mood, and school performance.
Dr. Al Hajjaji identified specific cases where children should not fast or require medical advice, including children with diabetes, underweight children, those with severe anemia, heart or kidney disease, chronic conditions needing daytime medication, young athletes in intensive training, and those experiencing recurrent headaches or fainting.
For safe fasting, Dr. Al Hajjaji recommended a protein-rich suhoor with complex carbohydrates, avoiding simple sugars, drinking sufficient water at night, avoiding sun exposure, reducing physical activity, and gradually breaking the fast. He emphasized stopping fasting if warning signs like dizziness, fainting, severe headache, lethargy, pallor, cold sweating, reduced urination, or vomiting occur.