Intermittent Fasting Decreases Oxidative Stress Parameters and Increases Total Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract

Modern lifestyle with an unhealthy routine, including consumption of excessive food and less physical activity, is full of many complications like chronic and degenerative diseases. For driving a healthy life, following a prophylactic style is necessary. The simplest and available way is intermittent fasting (IF). IF can help weight management. IF may lower oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be determined from the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and tri acyl glycerol (TAG) in the blood. Also, it increases Total antioxidant capacity (TAC). This study aimed to determine the effect of both protocols, Alternate day fasting (ADF) and time-restricted feeding (TRF), on plasma MDA level, TAG concentration, and TAC level of Sprague Dawley rats. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, i.e., control group (C), fasting group (ADF), fasting group (TRF). Fasting given in this research was ADF, comprising one day of fasting for 24 hours, alternating with one day of normal feed ad libitum in the span of 12 weeks, including fasting 12 hours for two days a week plus three days in the middle of the month. After 3-months, blood was taken for examination of MDA levels, TAG, and TAC levels. A significant difference among the three groups in MDA levels, TAG and TAC. (p<0.05 for all parameters). Groups conducted on intermittent fasting had lower levels of MDA, TAG concentration, and a high level of TAC. ADF was lower in MDA level and TAG concentration than TRF. ADF was higher in TAC level than TRF. Intermittent fasting (ADF and TRF) decreases the oxidative stress parameters and increases Total antioxidant capacity in Sprague Dawley rats. ADF is more effective than TRF.