Mangoes and Exercise Inflammation

Study Summary

Vigorous exercise bouts result in significant inflammation and muscle soreness. Our research group has published several papers showing that ingestion of various types of fruits enhances inflammation resolution after exercise. Mangoes have a unique nutrient profile (carotenoids, polyphenols, sugars, vitamins) that we hypothesize will mitigate post-exercise inflammation and muscle soreness. This study will examine the effect of 2 cups/day frozen mango ingestion (2 weeks, 330 g/day) in moderating exercise-induced (2.25 h cycling) inflammation and muscle soreness in a randomized crossover trial. Participants will include 20 male and female young adult cyclists (ages 18-60 years) who are capable of cycling 2.25 h in the laboratory on trainers. In random order, the cyclists will supplement their diets with 2 cups/day mangoes with 1 cup water or 1 cup water alone for two weeks, followed by the 2.25-h exercise challenge. Blood and urine samples will be collected pre- and post-2 weeks supplementation. Additional blood samples will be collected immediately post-exercise, and then 1.5-h, 3-h, and 24-h post-exercise. Urine samples will be analyzed for mango-related metabolites to confirm compliance to the supplementation regimen and to establish statistical relationships with inflammation-related outcomes. The blood samples will be analyzed for novel, cutting-edge outcomes related to inflammation including 70 oxylipins, inflammasome activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines that we have previously shown are sensitive to exercise and nutrition-based interventions. If the data support our hypothesis, mango ingestion will be viewed as a nutritional strategy to counter exercise-induced inflammation by fitness enthusiasts and athletes who exercise vigorously on a regular basis.

Primary Outcome

Plasma concentrations of arachadonic acid oxidized derivatives from LC-MS-MS analysis

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Water
• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Mangoes