Tiffany Ang, Class of 2026

Mangos, which are rich in vitamins A and C, are not only a delicious fruit, but are also known for their antioxidant properties. A study published in 2025 investigated the effects of regular mango intake on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight patients with chronic low-grade inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to insulin resistance and poor glycemic control, which can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Researchers hypothesized that regular mango intake would reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease the risk of T2DM, emphasizing the clinical significance of dietary interventions in managing metabolic health.

This four-week clinical trial administered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after participants consumed mango or 1 cup of mango or a control product twice a day for 4 weeks. Fasting and post-OGTT blood samples were collected to analyze metabolic and inflammatory markers. 46 adults participated, and the study found no significant changes in inflammation markers, such as IL-6 and TNF- (cytokine regulatory proteins secreted by immune cells), after the 4-week intervention (p > 0.05), challenging the researchers’ hypothesis.

While fasting glucose concentrations remained unaffected, insulin concentrations after the OGTT were significantly lower in the mango group compared to the control group at week 4, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in the amount of insulin required to maintain glucose levels. The relative expression of Nrf-2, a transcription factor that protects cells from oxidative stress and regulates antioxidant defense, is linked to insulin resistance and was increased in the mango group, but did not reach statistical significance. These results could suggest that mango intake may improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with chronic low-grade inflammation by activating the Nrf-2 gene and enhancing cellular antioxidant status. 

Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes significantly to T2DM and cardiovascular disease, particularly in obesity, a pro-inflammatory state. While animal studies show benefits of mango intake in reducing inflammation, human studies have produced mixed results, likely due to variations in study designs, populations, and how treatments were executed, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand how insulin sensitivity impacts T2DM.

Although this study did not find significant changes in inflammatory markers, it demonstrated that mango intake lowered fasting insulin levels, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. These findings support incorporating mango into the diet as a potential strategy to address insulin resistance in individuals with chronic low-grade inflammation.

Figure 1: Mangos are rich in antioxidants and vitamins

Works Cited: 

[1] Pett KD, Alex PG, Weisfuss C, Sandhu A, Burton-Freeman B, Edirisinghe I. Mango Consumption Is Associated with Increased Insulin Sensitivity in Participants with Overweight/Obesity and Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation. Nutrients. 2025 Jan 29;17(3):490. doi: 10.3390/nu17030490. PMID: 39940348; PMCID: PMC11820656.

[2] Image retrieved from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mango-juice-in-clear-glass-bottle-4955257/