Research report: fasting may lower the risk of severe COVID complications

Utah researchers say fasting may lower the risk of severe COVID complications Chemical changes from fasting may make the virus less able to infect cells. Erin Alberty Axios

Intermittent fasting is associated with less severe complications from COVID-19, according to a study released Wednesday by doctors at Intermountain Healthcare.

• Intermittent fasting means switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule — for instance, drinking only water for one day each week or month.

Of 205 patients who tested positive for COVID-19, doctors found nearly 30% of those who did not fast regularly were hospitalized — compared to just over 10% of those who fasted regularly.

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Many Intermountain patients are Latter-day Saints, who are instructed to fast regularly as a religious practice.

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