Short-Term Cardiometabolic Response to Mango Intake in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Consumption of mangos has been associated with improved diet quality, with reported reductions in systolic blood pressure and inflammatory biomarkers when consumed daily in robust amounts for six to eight weeks. Whether these changes could occur with a shorter intake period is unknown. Methods: This study explored the effect of two weeks of mango intake (330 g/d) on microvascular function and cardiometabolic markers in a group of relatively healthy postmenopausal women with an overweight or obese body mass index. Outcomes were compared to two weeks of baseline measures without mango intake. Results: The primary outcome measure, microvascular function did not significantly change, while supine systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, mean pulse pressure, and fasting cholesterol were significantly reduced. No significant changes in platelet aggregation or adhesion markers were noted. To explore the results further, a small probe study was conducted comparing the intake of mango to a calorically-equivalent amount of white bread. Blood glucose rose in both groups one hour after consumption, but significantly less after mango intake. Insulin levels also rose one hour after intake of both foods, but remained elevated in response to white bread, suggesting a moderating effect of mangos on glucose absorption and metabolism. Conclusions: Further research using amounts of mango typically consumed, over an extended period of time, are warranted.