Children need extra
care while fasting

DUBAI — Children fasting for the first time during Ramadan can do so provided they are taking a balanced diet and adequate sleep, advise doctors. Likewise, nursing mothers’ needs for energy and nutrients are far more critical than those of the women who are healthy.

by

Asma Ali Zain

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Published: Sun 7 Aug 2011, 12:05 AM

Last updated: Mon 11 Oct 2021, 1:01 PM

“Once children can fast (usually above 12 years) they should be careful about taking a balanced diet, drinking adequate fluids, getting adequate sleep and indulging in light exercises,” said Dr Shoaib Shahzad Khan, Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Canadian Specialist Hospital.

“Sick children and children who have long-term medical conditions like juvenile diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, metabolic diseases, etc should refrain from fasting,” he advised.

To remain healthy during Ramadan, children should consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy products, fish, meat and poultry, beans, vegetables and fruits.

“Refined carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods last for only three to four hours and may be better taken at Iftar to restore blood glucose levels rapidly,” added Dr Khan. The body’s immediate need at the time of the Iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. “Dates and juices are good sources of sugars and are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal,” he said. “A nursing mother’s needs for energy and nutrients are far more critical than those of women who are healthy, who are not lactating and who are not pregnant,” said Dr Wafa Sulaiman Al Nasseri, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Dubai’s Medcare Hospital.

“If a breastfeeding mother restricts her food and fluid intake during the day without compensating for it in the evening, there is a possibility of health complications for both the mother and the breastfed child.

“There have been a number of studies on short-term fasting and breastfeeding and these have revealed that dehydration affects milk volume, which is normally around 23-27 ounces of milk per day. In one study, the researchers noted that the women compensated for this by drinking plenty of water overnight, which appeared to diminish their daytime dehydration. I would therefore recommend that nursing mothers ensure that they drink at least two litres between periods of daytime fasting,” she added. ccording to Dr Khan, the best food for children during suhoor is “complex carbohydrates” or slow digesting foods so that the food lasts longer. “These complex carbohydrates are found in foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour and unpolished rice,” he said.

Drinking of sufficient water and juices between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration, and for detoxification of the digestive system, should be encouraged in fasting children, he said.

Parents should also ensure that their children get adequate sleep during Ramadan. Sometimes children become hypoglycaemic or dehydrated during Ramadan. “They may exhibit excessive tiredness or complain of headache. These symptoms have to be taken seriously and their diet and fluid intake should be watched carefully,” said Dr Khan.— asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

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