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Intermittent religious fasting increases the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes, but its impact on those without diabetes has been poorly investigated. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine the effects of religious Bahá'í fasting (BF) on glycemic control and variability and compare these effects with time-restricted eating (TRE). In a three-arm randomized controlled trial, 16 subjects without diabetes were assigned to a BF, TRE, or control group. Continuous glucose monitoring and food intake documentation were conducted before and during the 19 days of the intervention, and the 24 h mean glucose and glycemic variability indices were assessed. The BF and TRE groups, but not the control group, markedly reduced the daily eating window while maintaining macronutrient composition. Only the BF group decreased caloric intake (−677.8 ± 357.6 kcal, p = 0.013), body weight (−1.92 ± 0.95 kg, p = 0.011), and BMI (−0.65 ± 0.28 kg, p = 0.006). Higher maximum glucose values were observed during BF in the within-group (+1.41 ± 1.04, p = 0.039) and between-group comparisons (BF vs. control: p = 0.010; TRE vs. BF: p = 0.022). However, there were no alterations of the 24 h mean glucose, intra- and inter-day glycemic variability indices in any group. The proportions of time above and below the range (70–180 mg/dL) remained unchanged. BF and TRE do not exhibit negative effects on glycemic control and variability in subjects without diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meal timing emerges as a crucial factor influencing metabolic health that can be explained by the tight interaction between the endogenous circadian clock and metabolic homeostasis. Mistimed food intake, such as delayed or nighttime consumption, leads to desynchronization of the internal circadian clock and is associated with an increased risk for obesity and associated metabolic disturbances such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, meal timing aligned with cellular rhythms can optimize the performance of tissues and organs. In this review, we provide an overview of themetabolic effects ofmeal timing and discuss the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we explore factors influencing meal timing, including internal determinants such as chronotype and genetics, aswell as external influences like social factors, cultural aspects, andwork schedules. This review could contribute to defining meal-timing-based recommendations for public health initiatives and developing guidelines for effective lifestyle modifications targeting the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated metabolic diseases. Furthermore, it sheds light on crucial factors that must be considered in the design of future food timing intervention trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the effect of a 4-week free-sugar avoidance on periodontal parameters during periodontal therapy., Methods: Twenty-one patients with untreated periodontitis and daily free-sugar intake were allocated to a sugar avoidance group (SAG) and a control group (CG). The SAG received a 45-min dietary consultation and was instructed to avoid free sugars during the following 4 weeks after subgingival instrumentation, while the CG continued with their regular diet. Bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque control record, body weight (BW), visceral fat (FATv), and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were collected at baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2), and 8 weeks (T3) after subgingival instrumentation., Results: The main outcome parameter BOP was significantly reduced at T2 by 40.3% ± 15.54 in the SAG and 34% ± 12.47 in the CG (intra-p value both <0.001, inter-p value 0.361). A linear regression analysis of changes at patient level adjusted for age and FATv revealed a significant group difference for BOP (regression coefficient = -6.8; p = 0.019). Significant reductions were observed in BW, FATv and mean daily intake of free sugars (-14.4 g/day), and a significant increase of vitamin C derived from fruits (75.89 mg/day) at T2 in the SAG only., Conclusion: This study may indicate additional beneficial effects of a sugar avoidance on periodontal and metabolic parameters, and nutritional intake during periodontal therapy. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00026699)., Plain Language Summary: The current widespread free-sugar consumption is linked to an increasing incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. Data indicate a relationship between sugar intake and a higher prevalence of periodontitis and increased gingival inflammation. This study showed that free-sugar avoidance after periodontal therapy had additional beneficial effects on periodontal and metabolic parameters in 10 test and 11 control patients. After 4 weeks of avoiding free sugars like sweets, processed white flour, juice, and so forth, periodontal bleeding was significantly reduced in both groups (-40.3% test group, -34% control group). Further regression analysis revealed a significant difference between groups favoring the intervention. Additionally, body weight and visceral fat were significantly reduced in the intervention group, only. To avoid sugar, patients were allowed to replace it with whole fruit, which led to increased levels of micronutrients such as vitamin C. Therefore, free-sugar avoidance may be of therapeutic benefit in addition to periodontal therapy. Further research is needed to investigate this effect in larger cohorts., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Periodontology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Academy of Periodontology.)