Influence of a 6-month modified or traditional Daniel Fast on measures of health in men and women

Abstract

We have previously reported on the health impact of the plant-based fasting method known as the Daniel Fast (DF). However, our prior studies have included only short-term (21-day) interventions, rather than interventions spanning multiple months. For long-lasting and robust health effects, dietary modification for longer periods of time may be needed. We determined the 6-month impact of a traditional (vegan) DF (n=12) and modified DF (n=9; allowing for the inclusion of small amounts of meat and milk) on anthropometric and biochemical markers of health in men and women (mean age: 45 years). Outcome measures were obtained on day one of the assigned dietary plan, as well as after 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of adherence to the plan. Multiple improvements were noted for both dietary plans across the 6 month intervention, with limited differences noted across time between the traditional and modified DF. Compliance to both dietary plans was approximately 80% at month 6. These data indicate that both a traditional and modified DF, which allow for ad libitum feeding, result in improvements in multiple health-related outcomes. Adopting such a dietary approach may lead to enhanced quality of life, as well as a reduction in disease risk over time. Additional, long-term studies related to the health impact of this fasting method are needed.