Persea Americana for Total Health (PATH ) Study

Investigating the Effects of Avocado Intake on Metabolism and Cognition: A Systems Approach

The proposed work will investigate the effects of avocados on abdominal obesity and glycemic control among overweight/obese adults.

The proposed work will investigate the effects of avocados on abdominal obesity and glycemic control among overweight/obese adults. Further, changes in GI microbiota composition and cognitive function will be assessed to comprehensively understand systemic benefits of avocado consumption on gut and brain function. This research study has two aims: 1) To determine the effects of regular avocado intake on metabolic syndrome risk factors, specifically, abdominal obesity and glycemic control, among overweight and obese adults; and 2) to investigate the implications of avocado intake on measures of GI microbiota composition and cognitive function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females
• Between the ages of 25-45 years at the time of consent
• Body mass index ≥27.5kg/m2
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision based on the minimal 20/20 standard in order to complete the cognitive task (below 20/20 vision).
• Ability to drop-off fecal sample within 15 minutes of defecation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current pregnancy or lactation
• Tobacco use
• Avocado allergy or intolerance
• Food allergies, lactose intolerance
• Latex allergy
• Prior diagnosis of metabolic and gastrointestinal disease (cardiovascular disease and type 1 or type 2 diabetes, chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, hepatitis, HIV, cancer, etc.)
• Prior diagnosis of cognitive or physical disability, including ADHD, severe asthma, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease, and dependence upon a wheelchair/walking
• Use of any anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, or ADD/ADHD medications
• Use of medications that alter normal bowel function and metabolism (e.g., recent antibiotic use, laxatives, enemas, anti-diarrheal agents, narcotics, antacids, antispasmodics, diuretics, anticonvulsants).
• High BMI that is not representative of being overweight or obese (e.g. resistance trained individuals, football players)
• Prior malabsorptive bariatric surgery (i.e. gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy) or restrictive bariatric surgery (i.e. adjustable gastric band) within the past 2 years