Taking supplements during Ramadan is of the best ways to support your body while fasting. As a Muslim woman who’s also anaemic and has chronic insomnia, I know all about the two o’clock slump in the afternoon. That is, when all energy seems to dissipate after hours without food and a newly-disrupted sleeping pattern (at this point, a rumbly belly is the least of your problems).
With Ramadan falling on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, requiring abstention from food and water during daylight hours, it can be famously taxing on the body and requires lots of planning as well as discipline. Yet getting vital nutrients – important for energy levels, hydration and overall health – through meals alone can be a real challenge, especially for those who find themselves with little time or energy to cook during the day.
Thankfully, a few halal supplements can certainly help with fatigue and supporting your immune system for the duration of Ramadan. Whether it’s multivitamins, electrolytes and probiotics, or iron, collagen and omega-3 supplements, there are plenty of Ramadan supplements that can help you get through the holy month while prioritising your energy levels and sleep.
Below, I’ve put together a definitive edit of the most effective nutritionist-approved formulas to take during Ramadan, including those that I swear by on the daily.
Meet the experts
What are some of the best supplements to take during Ramadan?
“During Ramadan, it is always better to get all your nutrients from food,” says registered dietician Fareeha Jay. “However, people often cannot fulfil all their needs simultaneously because of limited eating hours.”
Health and wellness coach Natalie Ferrigno agrees. “As during Ramadan people fast with nothing, not even water, supplements wouldn’t be what I would advise as a rule. Water and unprocessed food is the first port of call.” However, supplements can aid your body during the fasting period, she says, especially as some people experience lethargy and brain fog.
Fasting, which occurs when the body depletes its sugar reserves after a period without food and begins to burn fat, has been demonstrated – when practiced mindfully – to provide potential health benefits. In 2023, a study found that intermittent fasting three days per week can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, while another scientific review found that it can help fight inflammation. Fasting can also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is not just about the health benefits, but also a time for reflection, prayer and community. Yet some people find this period more challenging than others, experiencing frequent hunger pangs, headaches and reduced energy levels. The change in sleep patterns can prove difficult too.
Bear in mind that this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Multivitamins are not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. We strongly recommend that you speak to your doctor, nutritionist and/or dietitian to ensure that you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.