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In a recent breakthrough study, researchers have unveiled a significant correlation between mango consumption and improved nutrition, particularly beneficial for women of childbearing age (WCA). The study, published in the journal Nutrients, highlights the pivotal role of mangos in enhancing diet quality and nutrient intake, potentially paving the way for healthier pregnancies and better maternal health.
The research, led by Kristin Fulgoni and Victor L. Fulgoni, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning two decades, involving 16,744 women aged 15-44 years. By employing the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) as a measure of diet quality, researchers assessed the adherence of participants to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
The findings underscored a remarkable 16% increase in HEI scores among WCA who incorporated mangos into their diets compared to those who did not. This increase in diet quality was attributed to notable differences in nutrient intake between the two groups, revealing a substantial elevation in the consumption of essential nutrients vital for pregnancy health.
Among the key nutrients observed, mango consumers exhibited:
- 70% higher vitamin C intake
- 31% higher fiber intake
- 30% higher vitamin E intake
- 26% higher folate intake
- 16% higher magnesium intake
- 11% higher potassium intake
Furthermore, mango consumption was associated with lower intakes of undesirable nutrients, including added sugars and saturated fats, by 17% and 11%, respectively.
Kristin Fulgoni emphasized the significance of these findings in the context of maternal health, stating, “Diet is a key component of prevention plans, and mangos are a healthful fruit that contributes many of the nutrients associated with reducing the risk of pregnancy-related diseases.”
The study also extended its analysis to older adults aged 60 and above, revealing similar positive associations between mango consumption and diet quality. Despite some variations in nutrient intake, mango consumers in this demographic exhibited a 13% higher HEI score, highlighting the potential benefits of mango inclusion in diverse diets across different age groups.
Leonardo Ortega, PhD, Research Director of the National Mango Board, underscored the broader implications of these findings, stating, “As a heritage-based food culturally connected to more than 1 out of every 4 Americans, mangos can be an important bridge to improve nutrition equity and the diet and nutrition quality of our multi-cultural country.”
While the study leveraged robust NHANES data spanning multiple cycles, it also acknowledged certain limitations, including the observational nature of the analysis and the dependence on dietary recalls. Nonetheless, the findings offer valuable insights into the potential role of mangos in promoting optimal nutrition, particularly for women during the critical phases of pregnancy and lactation.
The study’s comprehensive approach sheds light on the nutritional benefits of mango consumption, offering promising avenues for enhancing maternal and overall population health through dietary interventions. As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of diet-disease relationships, the humble mango emerges as a potent ally in the quest for healthier pregnancies and improved nutrition outcomes.
