Study of Mango and Low-Fat Cookie Effects on Gut Microbiome and Their Impact on Mental, Sexual, and Skin Health in Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how eating fresh mango affects the gut microbiome and its connection to skin, sexual, and mental health in generally healthy adults. This study focuses on adults between 18 and 50 years old and aims to understand these relationships through a controlled dietary intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to consume either mango or low-fat cookies daily to compare their effects on various health indicators. Participants will consume 100 calories of either low-fat cookies or mango each day for four weeks. These two groups allow researchers to evaluate and compare how mango versus a low-fat cookie impacts gut health and related areas such as skin hydration, mental well-being, and sexual health. The study does not include blinding, meaning participants and researchers know which group each participant is in. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires assessing sexual and mental health at the start and after four weeks. Skin hydration will be measured at baseline, immediately after product application, and after four weeks. The diversity of the gut microbiome will also be analyzed at the start and after the intervention. This research is sponsored by San Diego State University and will continue through December 2027.

Effects of Mango or Low-Fat Cookie Consumption on Gut Health, and Its Relationship With Mental, Sexual and Skin Health