According to the specialist, growing bodies require a variety of microelements and nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
“Children are energetic and active beings. With high physical activity, they need a balanced diet. We strongly do not recommend forcing children to observe the fast. For example, we had cases where all first-graders in the southern part of the country were fasting, and the school cafeteria did not prepare food for them. We recommended that educational authorities hold discussions with parents to explain the importance of proper nutrition,” emphasized Kushubakova.
She added that the Ramadan fast should be observed in adulthood when a person consciously understands their religious beliefs and makes their own decisions.
“Children are not yet ready to make informed choices in this matter, and we, as medical professionals, oppose this practice. Parents must take responsibility for their children's health,” concluded Maria Kushubakova.
It was previously reported that a lack of proper nutrition and insufficient sleep can significantly negatively affect concentration, attention, and the ability to learn, which, in turn, can lead to a decline in academic performance in educational institutions.
In 2026, the Ramadan fast (Orozo Ayi) will begin on February 19.
