Coronel Oviedo

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.

Researchers are evaluating how the harvest time of Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba mate, and its mode of consumption mate, terer, or both affect the lipid profile of regular yerba mate consumers in the Department of Caaguaz, Paraguay. Yerba mate contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, xanthines, and saponins. This triple-blind randomized clinical trial aims to fill the gap in knowledge about how harvest timing and consumption methods influence dyslipidemias in this population. Participants will be divided into groups based on whether they consume yerba mate harvested at the beginning or end of the harvest period and by how they consume it mate only, terer only, or both. The yerba mate samples will be analyzed for bioactive components before being blinded to researchers and participants. The trial includes a six-month consumption period during which participants follow prescribed consumption patterns without changing their usual diet or physical activity. During the study, the lipid profile of participants will be measured at baseline and again at 30, 90, and 180 days after starting consumption. Researchers will collect data on social, cultural, and anthropometric characteristics of consumers. Participants will know their lipid profile results only after completing the trial. The study monitors the effect of yerba mate consumption on lipid metabolism disorders over six months, with careful control of consumption and adherence.