In Germany, nutritionists see no problem with fasting Muslims during the shadow of the Corona pandemic.
"The periods of fasting in Ramadan are absolutely not worrying for the healthy," said Joachim Gardman, director of the Center for Specialization in Humanitarian Assistance at the University of Munster in Applied Sciences.
He stressed that fasting does not weaken the immune system of healthy people who are feeding properly.
Religious fasting is often viewed critically in Germany. This year, particular controversy has arisen over whether fasting in Ramadan may involve health risks due to the Corona pandemic.
The WHO wrote in its information booklet "Safe Ramadan Practices in the Context of Covid-19": "Healthy people are supposed to be able to fast during Ramadan like last year," noting that there are no studies yet on fasting and the risk of HIV infection. Corona Novel.
For her part, the second president of the German Medical Association for Therapeutic Fasting and Nutrition, Marta Ritsman-Fedrich, said that it is not only Muslims who are currently asking the question whether fasting makes a person more susceptible to infection with the emerging coronavirus.
"We are discussing this now extensively with our colleagues on the board of directors," she said, adding that only elderly people and people who are weakened by a specific disease or have a weak immune system should be wary of fasting.