(P36-10-26) Effects of Fresh Mango Consumption on Postprandial Gastrointestinal Comfort, Anxiety, and Glycemic Response, and Topical Mango Application on Skin Hydration

Objectives: Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that have been associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and metabolic health benefits. While some studies have shown beneficial effects of mango-derived components on oxidative stress and blood glucose, research on the health effects of fresh mango consumption, particularly on postprandial gastrointestinal comfort, glucose responses, anxiety, or the topical application of mango on skin health, is limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of fresh mango consumption on postprandial gastrointestinal (GI) comfort, anxiety, and blood glucose levels, and skin hydration compared to an isocaloric control snack in healthy adults.

Methods: In a randomized, two-trial crossover design, 44 healthy adults (36 females, 8 males; mean age 23.0 ± 5.0 years; BMI 24.3 ± 4.6 kg/m²) consumed fresh mango (167 g, 100 kcal) and a low-fat cookie control (23 g, 100 kcal) in random order, with a 4-day washout. Participants fasted for 2 hours before each trial. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and at 30, 60, and 90 minutes post-consumption. Gastrointestinal comfort was assessed using questionnaires with a visual analog scale at the same time points. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at baseline and 30 minutes post-consumption. Skin hydration was evaluated following a 1-minute topical application of mango or water (control).

Results: Neither mango nor the low-fat cookie (LFC) caused gastrointestinal discomfort. Both LFC and mango consumption reduced anxiety levels (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between them. Mango consumption significantly lowered postprandial glucose compared with the isocaloric LFC control (P < 0.05). Topical application of both mango and water increased skin hydration (P < 0.001), with a greater increase observed following mango application (P = 0.003).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that fresh mango consumption lowers postprandial glucose compared with isocaloric control. Furthermore, topical application of mango improves skin hydration more than water, indicating potential benefits for both metabolic and skin health.

Funding Sources: This study was funded by the National Mango Board and the SDSU NUTR 302L course.