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The effects of mango consumption on vascular health and immune function
Robert J Castro1, Kazandra Pedroza1, Mee Young Hong1
1School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
Insights
Daily mango consumption improved vascular health in overweight adults by reducing VCAM-1 and increasing antioxidants like SOD, CAT, and GPx. This suggests mangos may help mitigate atherosclerosis and oxidative stress risks.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Heart disease, driven by atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of mortality.
- Vascular integrity is key to mitigating atherosclerosis risk.
- Mangos possess beneficial compounds, but their vascular and immune effects in overweight/obese adults are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of mango consumption on vascular health markers.
- To assess the effects of mango intake on immune function indicators.
- To investigate these effects specifically in adults with overweight and obesity.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week crossover study involving 27 overweight/obese participants.
- Daily intake of 100 kcal of mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies.
- Analysis of blood markers including VCAM-1, ICAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, sCD4, sCD8, sCD3E, sCD45, TNF-α, CAT, GPx, and SOD.
Main Results:
- Mango consumption significantly reduced VCAM-1 levels at 4 and 12 weeks (P≤0.046).
- Antioxidant enzyme activity increased: CAT (P=0.035) and GPx (P<0.05) at 12 weeks.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher with mango intake versus cookies at 12 weeks (P=0.046).
Conclusions:
- Mango consumption may enhance vascular integrity by lowering VCAM-1.
- Increased SOD, CAT, and GPx suggest a reduction in oxidative stress.
- Mangos represent a potential dietary strategy for managing atherosclerosis and oxidative stress risk factors.
Objectives:
Heart disease, caused by atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of death. Maintaining vascular integrity is crucial to reducing atherosclerosis risk. Mangos are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that may offer cardioprotective and immune-boosting benefits. However, their effects on the vasculature and immune system in adults with overweight and obesity remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mango consumption on vascular health and immune function in adults with overweight and obesity.
Methods:
In a 12-week, crossover study, 27 overweight and obese participants consumed either 100 kcals of mangos daily or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12 and analyzed for vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin, E-selectin, sCD4, sCD8, sCD3E, and sCD45, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Results:
Mango consumption significantly decreased VCAM-1 between baseline and week 4 (P = 0.046) and week 12 (P = 0.004). CAT increased between baseline and week 12 (P = 0.035) with mango consumption. GPx increased at week 12 compared to baseline and week 4 (P < 0.05). At week 12, SOD was higher after mango consumption compared to low-fat cookie consumption (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in ICAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, sCD4, sCD8, sCD3E, sCD45 or TNF-α concentrations (P > 0.05 for all non-significant results).
Conclusions:
This study suggests that 100 kcals of mangos may benefit the integrity of the vasculature by reducing VCAM-1 and increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx levels. Mangos can be an alternative snack for improving atherosclerosis and oxidative stress risk factors.
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