Features of a successful therapeutic fast of 382 days’ duration – Stewart(1973)
W. K. Stewart and Laura W. Fleming
Features of a successful therapeutic fast of 382 days’ duration
Postgrad Med J. 1973 Mar; 49(569): 203–209.
Summary: A 27-year-old male patient fasted under supervision for 382 days and has subsequently maintained his normal weight.
Results: Blood glucose concentrations around 30 mg/100 ml were recorded consistently during the last 8 months, although the patient was ambulant and attending as an out-patient. Prolonged fasting in this patient had no ill-effects. He didn’t intend to fast for an extended period, but since he had adapted so well and was eager to reach his ‘ideal’ weight he stuck with it and ended up completing the longest fast on record.
We reckon: Plasma urea is a marker for the rate of deamination of amino acids prior to being oxidized for energy, or converted into glucose. Normal plasma urea concentrations for a 27 year old are between 25 and 50 (Plasma urea concentrations in the general population). Angus Barbieri’s plasma urea decreased during the first 2 weeks of fasting and thereafter remained steady between 15 and 20 mg/100 ml. Indicating that his rate of consumption of protein dropped initially and stayed low for the duration.
Previous Post
Next Post
He would be around 70 now. Who is he and how is he doing. Did he fast anything again ?
Oh interesting question. I have no idea. I know he was not identified in the study at the time at his own request, and he apparently declined an offer to followup on him.
Would have been a tragedy if he’d gone back to a diet of fried Mars Bars (the well-known Scottish delicacy).