Study of Mango and Chia-based Drinks to Improve Gut Bacteria in Obese Paraguayan Children Aged 8 to 16 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of a mango and chia-based beverage on the gut microbiota of 100 Paraguayan children aged 8 to 16 years who have obesity. The study aims to characterize the gut bacteria in these children for the first time and assess whether this functional beverage can positively influence intestinal bacteria. Childhood obesity affects one in three school-age children in Paraguay, making this research important for potential new strategies. Participants will be randomly assigned to consume either a mango juice beverage or a mango and chia juice beverage for 6 weeks. Both beverages are given as 200 ml daily servings, 5 days a week. The study uses a double-blind design to compare these two drinks and their effects on gut microbiota. During the study, fecal samples will be collected before and after the 6-week intervention to analyze changes in the microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing. Researchers will also measure body size and composition at the beginning and after 4 weeks of treatment. The study is sponsored by Universidad Nacional de Caaguazu and includes safety monitoring and follow-up until July 2026.

Effect of Consuming a Mango and Chia-based Beverage on Modulating the Intestinal Microbiota in Obese Children