Ramadan intermittent fasting for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases: practical guidance for health-care professionals

Ramadan intermittent fasting can pose challenges and risks for some groups of patients. Based on a narrative literature review and our clinical expertise, we provide practical guidance for clinicians managing patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions who wish to fast during Ramadan. Following the established International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance risk stratification framework, we categorised patients’ risk as low or moderate, high, or very high. We advise all patients at very high risk and most patients at high risk to not observe fasting due to potential harm. For others, we offer nuanced recommendations on medication rescheduling, lifestyle changes, and tailored fasting advice to minimise adverse effects. Shared decision making that respects patients’ religious motivations is essential, with risks and benefits carefully weighed on an individual basis.

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Clinical Resources
Guidance
Small Bowel and Nutrition
BAPEN Position Statement on Electrolyte and Vitamin Replacement in Adult patients with severe malnutrition, including people with Eating Disorders and other conditions who are undergoing refeeding
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This guidance has been endorsed by the BSG, and was published in 2025.

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Clinical Resources Categories
Liver
Venesection treatment in haemochromatosis – current best practice from the BSG/BASL Special Interest Group
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Haemochromatosis is the most common single gene disorder affecting the population of the UK, resulting in iron overload and organ damage.