Trace Elements in Medicine (Moscow)
2020, 21(4): 40-52
ORIGINAL PAPERS

NUTRITION AND SOMATIC CONDITION OF THE STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. ALEXIS DURING GREAT ORTHODOX LENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

A.V. Galchenko^1,2*, R. Ranjit², M.Yu. Yakovlev², V.A. Revyakina¹

¹ Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Ust'inskiy Proezd 2/14, 109240, Moscow, Russia.
² Peoples` Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklaya str. 6, 117198, Moscow, Russia

DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2020-21-4-40-52 

ABSTRACT. Many people following different religions undergo fasting as their religious courtesy but the effects of being in a Lenten diet among Russians have not been fully studied yet. The research evaluates the ef-fect of fasting on nutritional status during Great Lent. Methodology. The study was performed among 44 people aged 23 to 65 years, including 9 men and 35 women. A physical examination was carried out and their complaints about well-being were noted carefully. The nutrient composition of the diet was determined by the method of frequency analysis of food consumption during the period of the Great Lent. A general blood test was done to assess anaemia. Results. High rate of vitamins A, D, H, and B12, calcium, zinc, chromium, iodine, and molybdenum deficiencies in diet were observed. Many patients complained of dyspepsia, skin dryness, skin peeling, high affinity towards respiratory infections, fatigue, and irritation. The given symptoms were correlated with decreased intake of iodine, zinc, molybdenum, chromium, vitamins H and B12. Conclusion. People who follow Great Lent are recommended to consume a high amount of various fruits and vegetables, nuts, sea algae, green leafy vegetables, thermally processed legumes and grains. For the prevention of vitamins D and B12 deficiencies, it is suggested to consume fortified foods and supplements.

KEYWORDS: religious fasting, plant-based diets, micronutrients, vitamins, macro and trace elements.