Expert: Eliminating Suhur Can Harm Teenagers' Health During Ramadan

IQNA – Eliminating Suhur, the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, from the daily routine during Ramadan can negatively impact teenagers' health, a nutrition expert has warned.

Speaking to IQNA, Dr. Leila Azadbakht, a professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, warned that skipping suhur could have negative health consequences, including low blood sugar and depletion of energy reserves.

"Adolescents have specific nutritional needs that must be met," she said. "If they skip suhur, they may experience low blood sugar levels due to prolonged fasting hours, which can impact their overall well-being."

She noted that some young people believe eating a meal late at night is sufficient and that fasting without suhur will not harm their health. However, she called this assumption incorrect.

"It is crucial for adolescents to eat suhur—not only for nutritional benefits but also to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the early morning hours," she said.

Dr. Azadbakht also provided recommendations for an ideal suhur meal, calling for eating foods that help maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day. She advised consuming fiber-rich carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and cooked whole grains.

"The first priority should be fiber-rich carbohydrates like whole grains and wholemeal bread," she explained. "The bread chosen for suhur should be high in fiber and bran to help sustain energy levels during fasting."

In addition to carbohydrates, she recommended including low-fat, low-sodium cheese paired with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Protein sources such as eggs, chicken, or meat, along with a small portion of rice, could also be added to the meal to provide sustained energy.

She cautioned against consuming salty foods at suhur, as they can increase thirst throughout the day.

The expert also advised avoiding overly sweet foods, which can trigger insulin release and cause hunger later on. "It is best to meet the body's sugar needs through complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread," she said, adding that consuming a single date at suhur is a healthy way to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

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