Mangos may lower blood sugar in obese adults: Study

The pilot study, published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, ​looked at the impact of mango supplementation on body measurements (hips, height, weight and waist circumference) and fasting blood triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, glucose and insulin concentrations for 20 obese adults. The participants, aged 20-50, had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 45 kg/m2 at the beginning of the trial. 

The participants received ten grams a day of ground freeze-dried mango pulp - equivalent to about half a fresh mango - for a period of 12 weeks. 

The researchers from Oklahoma State University and North Carolina State University said: “Our findings indicate that regular consumption of freeze-dried mango by obese individuals does not negatively impact body weight but provides a positive effect on fasting blood glucose.​”​ 

Professor Edralin Lucas, who lead study, said the findings pointed towards a possible dietary option for obese adults looking to maintain or lower their blood sugar, however added that the precise way in which mango did so was still uncertain. He said further research to establish this, as well as investigation into how this may impact groups like diabetics, was needed.   

Significant changes​ 

The reduction in blood glucose was seen across the 11 male and nine female participants, although this was slightly more significant for the males at -4.5 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and -3.6 mg/dL, respectively.  

Both by gender and overall, no significant changes in triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, or blood pressure were seen. No changes were observed in overall body weight, hip or waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, percent fat mass or lean mass either. 

Mango mangiferin​ ​

Commenting on the results, Professor Lucas said:"We are excited about these promising findings for mangos, which contain many bioactive compounds, including mangiferin, an antioxidant that may contribute to the beneficial effects of mango on blood glucose. In addition, mangos contain fiber, which can help lower glucose absorption into the blood stream.”​   

Mangiferin is present in mango seeds (0.42 mg/kg), peel (1690.4 mg/kg), and pulp (4.4 mg/kg).   

Source: Nutrition and Metabolic Insights​ ​
Vol. 2014, Iss. 7, pp. 77-84, doi: 10.4137/NMI.S17028​
“Mango Supplementation Improves Blood Glucose in Obese Individuals”​
Authors: S. F. Evans, M. Meister, M. Mahmood, H. Eldoumi, S. Peterson, P. Perkins-Veazie, S. L. Clarke, M. Payton, B. J. Smith and E. A. Lucas