The Effect of Mango Consumption on Diet and Health Parameters in School-Aged Children

The recommended fruit consumption for children aged 9 to 13 years old is 1 ½ to 2 cups daily, but the average fruit intake ranges from 0.91 to 0.93 cups daily. Along with the under consumption of fruit, obesity in children is on the rise. The most recent NHANES reported 19.3% were obese. Mango (Mangifera Indica) offers several nutritional benefits including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which may positively influence health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine the short-term effects of mango consumption and mango-based education on specific health parameters, behaviors, and knowledge among school-aged children. Participants who completed the study (n=140) were 4th and 5th grade students in rural South Carolina. Over six weeks, participants received weekly mango servings and lessons on mango nutrition, preparation, and origin. During the intervention, students were asked to track the amount of mango consumed daily. Students tracked daily mango intake, and pre-/post-intervention questionnaires assessed perceived knowledge, behaviors, and consumption. Physical measurements included anthropometrics, grip strength, blood pressure, and carotenoid levels. Paired t-tests and linear regressions were used for data analysis. Post-intervention, participants reported significantly improved mango knowledge and perceived intake (p < 0.05), but overall fruit consumption remained unchanged. Significant improvements were observed in the Veggie Meter scores (p < 0.001), grip strength (RHGS and LHGS: p-value