The longest recorded fasting period lasted 382 days, as published in 1973.
While this is the longest published account, it's important to consider that many animals in the wild, such as hibernating mammals and migratory birds, regularly undergo long periods of fasting, sometimes for decades during annual cycles. These instances often surpass the documented human fasts in duration.
Here's a summarized table:
| Type | Duration | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published Human Fast | 382 days | 1973 report | Longest documented human fast. |
| Wild Animal Fasts | Variable (years) | Observed Nature | Many animals fast yearly, including during hibernation/migration. |
Therefore, the answer depends on whether we're considering only documented human fasts or taking into account the natural fasting periods of animals.
