Pediatricians Advise Caution for Children Fasting During Ramadan

In practice, there are rules to follow for children’s fasting. The child’s fasting days must be defined and they must fast progressively. They must fast on the first and last day of Ramadan, abstain from eating and continue to drink water, and fast from 8 am to 2 pm, informs sehati.gov.ma.

A balanced diet for the child’s fasting is necessary. A balanced food intake is required during Ramadan so that the child can take the essential nutrients necessary for their growth. They need vitamins A, B6, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and the calories necessary for their development during fasting. At the breaking of the fast, the child must drink at least 1.5 liters of water to prevent dehydration, constipation, and urinary tract infections. Water should be preferred to industrial fruit juices or replaced by natural fruit juices such as oranges and carrots, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. During fasting, parents must pay more attention to the child. This will allow them to decide to stop the child’s fasting if they are unable to cope.

For the child’s diet during fasting, it is important not to delay the ftour meal, which should include two dates or a glass of juice; vegetable soup or harira to compensate for the lost fluids; vegetables because they are rich in water and vitamins and dietary fiber. They should be present in the ftour meal, cooked or fresh, in the form of a salad. Meats, fish and eggs, rice, potatoes and pasta should be present in the menu. Dairy products are recommended, as they are rich in calcium necessary for bone growth.