EFFECT OF INTERMITTENT FASTING ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON A POPULATION

ABSTRACT

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern characterized by alternating periods of fasting and eating. Intermittent fasting has gained significant attention due to its potential health benefit including weight management,improved metabolic health and inflammation. Hematological parameters which include components of WBCs, RBCs parameters, Hematocrit and hemoglobin play a crucial role in accessing an individual’s overall health. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting on hematological parameters on a population of both healthy male and female individuals. This work was carried out in the Ovia North East local government area and the university environs. A population of 60 healthy subjects within the age 18-30 years were employed for this experiment and were divided into two phases; the fasting phase (test phase) and non-fasting phase (control phase). A properly structured questionnaire was administered to every participant to obtain basic health, demographic details and lifestyle eating patterns. 5mls of blood samples were collected and dispensed into EDTA anticoagulated container for hematology investigations in the laboratory using the automated three parts ERMA Hematology Auto analyze PCE-210N. All analysis were carried out in the University Of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The results showed a significantly decrease in fasting blood glucose level, lymphocytes and monocytes values (p< 0.05), a significant increase in WBC and granulocytes level (p< 0.05) and no significant difference in RBC count, platelet level, hematocrit, hemoglobin and level of hematological indices in fasting phase compared to non- fasting phase. In conclusion, from this study we have observed a significant impact of short term intense fasting on the physiology of the blood and the blood components including its possible ability to stimulate the bone marrow progenitor cells.