Clinical nutrition specialist at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Fatima Suikai said that fasting for pre-puberty children depends on their physical structure and health status.
Suikai explained that children’s ability to fast varies according to many factors, including the child’s structure, health condition and climatic weather, which necessitates adult observation over fasting for pre-puberty children.
She advised that the fasting of such children be for half the day only to ensure that their health is not affected.
Suikai added that the best way for a fasting child to break the fast is by not letting them eat the meal at once in order to avoid intestinal disorders, stressing the importance of introducing nutrients and fluids.
She also underlined the need for parents to pay attention to any signs of significant decrease in the sugar level or dehydration, adding that in such a case the child must break the fast immediately.
She called for the need for medical supervision by a specialist doctor and nutritionist if children with diabetes are allowed to fast, as their sugar levels may drop to dangerous levels.
As for children who are obese or overweight, fasting is an opportunity for them to adjust their diet, she added.
It is necessary to provide the fasting children with a balanced breakfast that contains carbohydrates, proteins, and non-harmful fats, as well as fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary needs of vitamins and minerals to give them all nutritional needs, Suikai said pointing that the “Suhoor” meal should contain fibres that help to feel full for longer periods.
She stressed that the Suhoor meal should contain milk and dairy products to provide the children with the basic needs of calcium, adding that fried foods and sweets should be limited, and drinks containing caffeine such as tea, coffee and soft drinks should be avoided.
