African Mango Supplement Benefits, Negative Effects and Review

African mango supplements are made from the seeds of the tree Irvingia gabonensis. These supplements are used for obesity and weight loss, high blood lipid levels, diabetes and pain.

There is insufficient scientific evidence available to rate the use of African mango for weigh loss or other therapeutic purposes. [2]

African mango extract supplements are made from the seeds contained within the tree’s fruit. These supplements are usually combined with other high-fiber ingredients and marketed as weight loss formulas.

African mango seeds are high in fiber and long- and medium-chain fatty acids. Researchers have not identified a bioactive ingredient in African mango that is not also present in other plants.

The fruit of Irvingia gabonensis is commonly eaten in regions of Africa where the tree grows naturally (primarily in Central and West Africa), but it has not been used in any traditional medicine practices.

African Mango

Appetite Suppressant

Weight Loss

Appetite

Carb Blocker

How It Works:

• Helps control the appetite
• Increases leptin sensitivity & adiponectin
• Improves blood sugar & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1,000 mg per day

Safety:

Generally well tolerated

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African Mango Supplements Review

African mango is a particularly popular weight loss supplement that became famous after it was profiled by Dr. Mehmet Oz of The Dr. Oz Show.

Despite its popularity, there have only been a handful of clinical studies done to examine the effects of African mango on weight loss.

The available clinical research on African mango has been criticized for its lack of rigor. There have only been a small number of human research trials conducted. While these trials have found positive results, they may be subject to methodological flaws. [6]

A review of available scientific literature called for more rigorous and accessible studies to be conducted on the weight-loss effects of Irvingia gabonensis.

Taking Supplements for Weight Loss

In general, supplements may be able to support weight loss in three ways: first, some compounds may help speed up the metabolism, allowing individuals to burn more calories; second, some supplements may help you feel full and less likely to take in un-needed calories; third, some supplements might help to inhibit hormonal pathways in the body that cause fat storage.

In the case of African mango, the fruit’s seeds are high in fiber, which may impact feelings of fullness. Results from the few available research studies suggest that this supplement can act as an appetite suppressant to naturally reduce caloric consumption. According to user reviews, taking this supplement can reduce hunger cravings and suppress the appetite.

African mango capsules have also been found to help regulate blood glucose levels. When glucose levels in the blood are prevented from getting too high, it can reduce the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas.

Insulin has a number of important roles related to metabolism. It is necessary for allowing glucose (sugar) to be transported into cells from the blood. However, excess levels of insulin can cause a number of health complications and eventual insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome.

In addition to this, when insulin is high, the body is stimulated to store more energy as fat and the burning of fat is blocked. Insulin stimulates a process known as lipogenesis, whereby fats in the blood are carried to and stored in adipose tissue.

Supplements like African Mango extract are purported to support weight loss by inhibiting lipogenesis and keeping insulin levels low. By affecting this important metabolism-regulating hormone, this compound may support weight loss or prevent weight gain. However, clinical evidence is required to demonstrate this effect conclusively.

African Mango Supplement Clinical Trials

There are two small clinical studies that are often referred to when talking about the effects of African mango on weight loss. These studies are inadequate for rating the efficacy of African mango supplements because they are small and used poor methodological designs. Confirmation of these results are required by larger, third-party studies before this supplement can be rated for weight loss usage.

In one study, overweight individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol levels participated in a four week investigation. These individuals were divided into a treatment and placebo group. Both groups ate a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet (1,800 kCal/day).

The treatment group received three doses of 1.05 g I. Gabonensis per day. Treatment group patients were reported to lose an average of 8.8 lbs (4 kg) whereas individuals in the placebo group showed no significant weight reductions. [4]

Another placebo-controlled human trial involved the use of a specific African mango supplement called IGOB131. Twice-daily 150 mg doses of IGOB131 were administered over a 10 week period to overweight subjects. No exercise or dietary restrictions were imposed.

Members of the treatment group lost an average of 12.8 kg (28.22 lbs) and ate, on average, 389 fewer calories per day than members of the control group. Members of the control group lost an average of 0.7 kg (1.54 lbs). [3]

Note that the two studies above were conducted by the same research group. An African mango supplement manufacturer sponsored these studies. In order to confirm or deny these results, larger studies should be conducted by independent researchers.

African Mango Supplement Health Benefits

The studies on the weight loss effects of African mango also reported a decrease in participants’ cholesterol levels. In the study using three daily doses of 1.05 g I. gabonensis seed extract the total cholesterol level of treatment group members decreased by 39 %.

Researchers also reported a decrease in triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or so-called “bad” cholesterol) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (so-called “good” cholesterol). [4]

In the second trial, patients taking IGOB131 over the course of 10 weeks were reported to have lower total cholesterol levels by the end of the trial (the authors reported a 26 % reduction in cholesterol levels). [3]

Preliminary research suggests African mango may affect blood sugar levels. In one study, 4 g of ground Irvingia gabonensis seed fiber was dissolved in 100 mL of water. This mixture was consumed once every day for 30 days. Subjects were patients with diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus. At the end of the study, HDL cholesterol was elevated while LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels were all reduced. [5]

Negative Side Effects

Side effects from African mango supplements are rare. Research indicates that Irvingia gabonensis is well tolerated by the majority of healthy individuals. Reported side effects are generally mild and temporary. These side effects have included flatulence, headache and nausea, but similar side effects were reported by control group participants.

I. gabonensis may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking African mango supplements to avoid possible interactions and side effects.

Conclusions

User reviews are generally positive, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to attribute any therapeutic use to I. gabonensis. Well-organized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed before any therapeutic use can be assigned to African mango supplements.

The beneficial medicinal effects may stem from the healthy fatty acids and fiber contained in I. gabonensis. No bioactive substances have been identified in Irvingia gabonensis that are not also found in other plants. Some African mango supplement reviews indicate that the same benefits may be experienced with less expensive and/or more available plant sources.

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