Three new mango studies presented at Experimental Biology Conference

Three new mango-related studies were presented this week at the 2014 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) in San Diego, revealing initial findings on the effects of mango consumption on ulcerative colitis and bone parameters in animal models.

“The mango industry’s nutrition research program is committed to advancing our understanding of the role mangos can play as part of a healthy diet,” said Megan McKenna, Director of Marketing for the National Mango Board. “These studies provide important insights that will drive future research.”

Initial research from the Texas A&M University lab led by Susanne Mertens-Talcott, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Director of Research, Institute for Obesity Research and Program Evaluation of Texas A&M University, investigated the effects of mango and pomegranate polyphenolics on fecal microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in rats[i]. Rats were administered control, mango, or pomegranate juice, and were exposed to three cycles of 3% DSS followed by a two-week recovery period. The results found that mango juice induced changes in SCFAs production while pomegranate juice induced changes in the composition of microbiota. Click here to view the full abstract.

Additional preliminary research from Dr. Mertens-Talcott explored the anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of mango and pomegranate juice in DSS-induced colitis in rats.[ii] The study results suggest that polyphenolics of different predominant structure may differentially regulate inflammation-involved pathways while attenuating DSS-induced colitis. Click here to view the full abstract.

Initial research from Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., associate professor of nutritional sciences in the College of Human of Sciences at Oklahoma State University, examined the effects of mango and its polyphenol in preventing bone loss in ovariectomized mice, a model of post-menopausal osteoporosis.[iii] The findings suggest that mango supplementation may promote the maintenance of skeletal health in oestrogen deficiency through its effects on trabecular bone. Click here to view the full abstract.

A nutrient rich fruit, mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, supporting optimal function of processes throughout the body. Mangos are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A as well as folate. They are also a good source of fibre, copper, and vitamin B6.

For more information:
Lucy Keith
Fleishman-Hillard
Tel: +1 (512) 495-7174
Email: lucy.keith@fleishman.com