Influence of 2-Weeks Mango Ingestion on Inflammation Resolution After Vigorous Exercise

Subjects will come to the lab for orientation/baseline testing, pre-and post-supplementation (2 weeks mango ingestion compared to water alone) blood and urine sample collections with 3-d food records, two 2.25 h cycling sessions, and additional lab visits to provide 1-day 7:00 am recovery blood samples) (thus 7 total lab visits). The total amount of time subjects will be asked to volunteer for this study is about 20 hours at the Human Performance Laboratory (over a 6-week period).

A. Orientation/Baseline Testing (Visit #1):

After voluntarily signed IRB-approved consent forms, study participants will be tested for maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) during a graded, cycling test with continuous metabolic monitoring with the Cosmed CPET metabolic device (Cosmed, Rome, Italy). Body composition will be measured with the seca BIA and Bod Pod body composition analyzer (Life Measurement, Concord, CA). Demographic and training histories will be acquired with questionnaires. A symptom inventory will be conducted using a 2-week retrospective questionnaire. 3-day food records and 24-h urine collection kits will be supplied with thorough instructions.

B. Pre-Supplementation Lab Visit #2 and 2-Week Mango Supplementation Protocol:

Two weeks prior to the first running session, subjects will report to the Human Performance Laboratory at approximately 7:00-8:00 am. A blood sample will be collected in an overnight fasted state to coincide with the same time of the day for the post-supplementation blood draw. Urine samples and 3-d food records will be turned in after review. A 2-week supply of frozen mangoes in date/time labeled freezer bags (1 cup or 165-gram amounts) will be given to the participants randomized to the mango trial, with instructions to consume 1 cup each with the first and last meals of the day (for two weeks). Participants will be given the frozen mangoes in cold containers and then instructed to store these in their home freezers. Subjects will be instructed to consume the mangoes in a variety of ways including in smoothies, with yogurt, or as is. Bottled water will be supplied to both groups with instructions to consume 1 cup each with the first and last meals of the day. Subjects will be instructed to store and then bring the freezer bags to their next lab visit. To assess potential adverse effects, a symptom inventory will be conducted using a 2-week retrospective questionnaire (before and after the 2-week supplementation period). Rationale for the mango dosing regimen: The amounts of carotenoids and polyphenols in 2 cups/d mangoes are similar to amounts we have used successfully in prior studies to mitigate post-exercise inflammation and muscle soreness. We recommend a 2-week supplementation period because our experience is that this is a sufficient time period for bioactive effects to emerge as the gut microbiome and tissues adapt. We recommend using water as the control condition to allow the full array of nutrient components found in mangoes (carbohydrate, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and A) to be tested when compared to just water.