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J Am Coll Health 1999
Sep;48(2):87-90
Hunger strikes: preventing harm to students.
Dixon WC
Sonoma State University, Rohnert
Park, California, USA.
When the health center encountered a
student hunger strike, an initial search for medical information regarding fasting
provided very little on which to build management decisions. The result of a more thorough
evaluation of starvation literature is presented, along with survey responses from
students who fasted. Starvation may produce many adverse events, including death. Yet,
according to reports, acaloric fasts that include full water intake seem to be readily
tolerated for 2 weeks in young, healthy adults. Our students included juice, sports
drinks, and vitamins in their diets and completed their strike without major problems.
Supplementation with carbohydrates and vitamins may improve the safety or comfort of a
hunger striker, but clear proof of this effect does not exist.
Comments:
Comment in: J Am Coll Health 1999 Sep;48(2):51-4
PMID: 10500371, UI: 99430158 |
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