International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021152020062022682268ENApplied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Science, IsfahanVice‑Chancellery for Research and Technology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20200620<p><span class="fontstyle0">Almost all religions recommend periods of fasting. Many adult Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan each year. Ramadan fasting as a type of intermittent fasting is a non‑pharmacological intervention refining the overall health. This year, Ramadan is coincided with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak making it one of the most challenging fasting periods for Muslims in the<br />world. There is no solid direct evidence to suggest any adverse effect of Ramadan fasting during the COVID‑19 pandemic in healthy individuals. However, there are exemptions in Ramadan Fasting and those at risk of health issues should not fast. COVID‑19 is a new disease and there is limited studies concerning its risk factors. The purpose of this review was shedding more light on the potential mechanisms involved in influence of practice of fasting in all forms, including Ramadan fasting on<br />the vulnerability to infection.<br /></span></p><p><span class="fontstyle2"><strong>Keywords</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle3">COVID‑19, pandemic, Ramadan fasting</span></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2268http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2268/717718105