Hunger strikes: Preventing harm to students

When the health center encountered a student hunger strike, an initial sear ch 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 studen ts who fasted. Starvation may produce many adverse events, including death. Yet, according to reports, acaloric fasts that include full water intake s eem to be readily tolerated for 2 weeks in young, healthy adults. Our stude nts included juice, sports drinks, and vitamins in their diets and complete d their strike without major problems. Supplementation with carbohydrates a nd vitamins may improve the safety or comfort of a hunger striker, but clea r proof of this effect does not exist.