A critical review of current evidence, perspectives and research implications of diet-related traditions of the Eastern Christian Orthodox Church on dietary intakes and health consequences

Abstract

Certain dietary guidelines that provide for a type of periodic vegetarianism, during a total period of 180–200 days in a year, are prescribed for symbolic and spiritual reasons in the Eastern Christian Orthodox Church (ECOC); however, its potential implication on health has only recently begun to be investigated.

We aimed to review evidence on the potential association of ECOC's dietary guidelines to health and disease indices, and to explore research and dietetics' practice perspectives.

Eleven publications were identified, providing data from prospective, cross-sectional, and case–control studies conducted among adults, and from one cross-sectional study among children. Data retrieved suggest that, compared with non-fasters, adult and child fasters enjoy better dietary quality and have healthier blood lipid profiles. The available evidence, however, is very limited and further investigation is warranted. It is being deemed important that dieticians and health professionals are able to exploit this dietary scheme of periodic vegetarianism and advise the ECOC adherents on how to further improve their meal planning.

Keywords::

• Eastern Christian Orthodox
• fasting
• diet quality
• nutrient adequacy

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Father Ioannis Kyprianou (Saint Nicholaos, Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus) for reviewing the part of the text referring to the theological aspect of fasting and Table I, and to the Theologian Erick Sergiou (Kykkos Monastery) who provided the references for the theological citations. The information on fasting days and periods was kindly provided in English by Mr Xenophon Lazarou (Nicosia, Cyprus).

Declaration of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.