Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Intermittent Fasting: Myths, Fakes and Truth on This Dietary Regimen Approach Publisher



Brogi S1, 2 ; Tabanelli R1 ; Puca S1 ; Calderone V1
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa, 56126, Italy
  2. 2. Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81746-73461, Iran

Source: Foods Published:2024


Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been indicated as a valuable alternative to the classical caloric restriction dietary regimen for lowering body weight and preventing obesity-related complications, such as metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes. However, is it effective? In this review article, we analyzed over 50 clinical studies in which IF, conducted by alternate day fasting (ADF) or time-restricted feeding (TRF), was compared with the caloric restriction approach. We evaluated the different roles of IF in treating and preventing human disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and some types of cancer, as well as the usefulness of IF in reducing body weight and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension. Furthermore, we explored the cellular pathways targeted by IF to exert their beneficial effects by activating effector proteins that modulate cell functions and resistance to oxidative stress. In contrast, we investigated concerns regarding human health related to the adoption of IF dietary regimens, highlighting the profound debate surrounding weight loss regimens. We examined and compared several clinical trials to formulate an updated concept regarding IF and its therapeutic potential. © 2024 by the authors.
Related Docs
View other Related Docs
1. Fasting Diets: What Are the Impacts on Eating Behaviors, Sleep, Mood, and Well-Being?, Frontiers in Nutrition (2023)
2. Modified Alternate-Day Fasting Vs. Calorie Restriction in the Treatment of Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019)
3. The Alternate-Day Fasting Diet Is a More Effective Approach Than a Calorie Restriction Diet on Weight Loss and Hs-Crp Levels, International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research (2021)
4. The Influence of Fasting and Energy Restricting Diets on Blood Pressure in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prevention (2020)
5. Comparison of the Impact of Intermittent Fasting Diet Alone or in Conjunction With Probiotic Supplementation Versus Calorie-Restricted Diet on Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Capacity Biomarkers in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2025)
6. The Effects of Fasting Diets on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Nutrition Reviews (2023)
7. The Influence of Fasting and Energy-Restricted Diets on Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Clinical Nutrition (2021)
8. A Review of Fasting Effects on the Response of Cancer to Chemotherapy, Clinical Nutrition (2021)
Experts (# of related papers)
View all Related Experts
Noushin Mohammadifard (6)
Nizal Sarrafzadegan (5)
Other Related Docs
9. Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Glucose Homeostasis, Lipid Profiles, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Kashan, Iran, Archives of Iranian Medicine (2015)
10. Which Diets Are Effective in Reducing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk in Women With Obesity? an Integrative Review, Nutrients (2021)
11. Ramadan Fasting and Risk of Covid-19, International Journal of Preventive Medicine (2020)
12. Covid-19 and Fast Foods Consumption: A Review, International Journal of Food Properties (2021)
13. Effect of Low-Energy-Dense Diet Rich in Multiple Functional Foods on Weight-Loss Maintenance, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2018)
14. Associations Between Dietary Energy Density and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies, Nutrition (2016)
15. The Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Shared Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer, Nutrients (2022)
16. The Effect of a Moderately Restricted Carbohydrate Diet on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Therapeutics (2023)
17. Effects of Modified-Paleo and Moderate-Carbohydrate Diets on Body Composition, Serum Levels of Hepatokines and Adipocytokines, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Endothelial Microparticles in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial, Trials (2021)
18. Association of Dietary Pattern and Metabolic Syndrome in 15- to 49-Years-Old Women, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2015)
19. Dash Diet, Insulin Resistance, and Serum Hs-Crp in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Hormone and Metabolic Research (2015)
20. Effects of Chronic Scheduled–Caloric Dietary on Ghrelin Secretion and Food Intake in Adult Male Rats, Physiology and Pharmacology (Iran) (2019)
21. Visceral Obesity and Its Shared Role in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scoping Review of the Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Treatments, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2020)
22. The Effects of Macronutrient Intake on the Risk of Pre-Diabetes in First- Degree Relatives of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2014)
23. Effect of Vanadyl Sulfate on Fructose-Induced Insulin Resistance Rat, Iranian Biomedical Journal (2003)
24. The Effect of Fasting in Ramadan on the Values and Interrelations Between Biochemical, Coagulation and Hematological Factors, Annals of Saudi Medicine (2000)
25. Effects of Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Diets on Blood Lipids, Lipoproteins, Glycemic Parameters, and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials, Nutrition Reviews (2024)
26. Dietary Patterns, Insulin Resistance, and Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome in Women, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007)
27. Association Between Dietary Insulin Index and Load With Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Adropin and Metabolic Health Status in Iranian Adults, Scientific Reports (2023)
28. Longitudinal Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Patterns: A 13-Year Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study, Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases (2018)
29. Effect of Fermented Camel Milk on Glucose Metabolism, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammatory Biomarkers of Adolescents With Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Trial, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2018)
30. Effects of Paleolithic Diet on Glucose Control in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials, Journal of Nutrition and Food Security (2019)
31. Evaluation of the Effects of Dietary Energy Density on Anthropometric and Glycemic Indices and Lipid Profile in Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Journal of Isfahan Medical School (2012)
32. Moderate Replacement of Carbohydrates by Dietary Fats Affects Features of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial, Nutrition (2014)
33. The Effect of Fasting or Calorie Restriction on Mitophagy Induction: A Literature Review, Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (2020)
34. Effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) Diet on Some Risk for Developing Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Controlled Clinical Trials, Nutrition (2013)
35. Effects of Recommendations to Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) Diet V. Usual Dietary Advice on Childhood Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomised Cross-Over Clinical Trial, British Journal of Nutrition (2013)
36. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Eating Plan Affects C-Reactive Protein, Coagulation Abnormalities, and Hepatic Function Tests Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients, Journal of Nutrition (2011)
37. Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (Dash): Diet Components May Be Related to Lower Prevalence of Different Kinds of Cancer: A Review on the Related Documents, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2015)
38. Effect of Consuming Salad and Yogurt As Preload on Body Weight Management and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Clinical Trial, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (2013)
39. Effect of Paleolithic-Based Low-Carbohydrate Vs. Moderate-Carbohydrate Diets With Portion-Control and Calorie-Counting on Ctrp6, Asprosin and Metabolic Markers in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2022)
40. Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) Eating Plan on Cardiovascular Risks Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial, Diabetes Care (2011)
41. Effects of Dietary Energy Density on Serum Adipocytokine Levels in Diabetic Women, Hormone and Metabolic Research (2013)
42. Nutrient Patterns in Relation to Metabolic Health Status and Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) and Adropin in Adults, Scientific Reports (2024)
43. Effect of Diverse Low Energy-Dense Versus Healthy Diet on Metabolic Outcomes in Overweight/Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Progress in Nutrition (2019)
44. The Effect of “Moderately Restricted Carbohydrate” Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Parameters in Women With Metabolic Syndrome: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial, Trials (2022)
45. The Role of Healthy Lifestyle in the Primordial Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome Throughout Lifetime: What We Know and What We Need to Know, Integrated Science (2022)
46. The Effect of Oral Magnesium Supplementation on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials, Biological Trace Element Research (2022)
47. Weight Loss Maintenance: A Review on Dietary Related Strategies, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (2014)
48. Comparative Effects of Carbohydrate Versus Fat Restriction on Serum Levels of Adipocytokines, Markers of Inflammation, and Endothelial Function Among Women With the Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial, Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism (2013)
49. Comparison of the Effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet With Usual Dietary Advice on Expression of Peroxisome Proliferators-Activated Receptor Gamma Gene in Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, ARYA Atherosclerosis (2018)
50. Effect of Flaxseed Oil on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight Adults With Pre-Diabetes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal of Herbal Medicine (2020)