Avocado Consumption for 12 Weeks and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Diets emphasizing unsaturated fat and high fiber are associated with reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. Avocados are rich in MUFA and PUFA fats and fiber. Objectives: Assess replacement of carbohydrate energy with avocado energy for 12 wk on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic risk factors in self-selecting free-living adults who are overweight or with obesity and have insulin resistance.

Avocado intake was associated with a healthier dietary pattern and trends favoring improved glucose control and reduced biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk when replacing avocado energy for carbohydrate energy in free-living adults who are overweight or with obesity and have insulin resistance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02695433.

In a single-center, randomized, 2-arm, controlled, 12-wk parallel trial, adults [n = 93; male/female: 39/54; mean ± SD age: 42 ± 12 y; BMI: 32.6 ± 3.9 (in kg/m2); HOMA-IR: 2.7 ± 1.7] were counseled to exchange avocado (AV) or control food (C; low fat, low fiber, energy matched) for carbohydrate food in their usual diet for 12 wk. The primary outcome was the change in Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index (MISI) after 12-wk interventions. Secondary outcomes were changes in fasting and post-oral glucose tolerance test glycemic variables, fasting lipids, endothelial activation and inflammation markers. Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool captured weekly dietary intake. Intervention effects were mainly determined by ANCOVA using PC-SAS version 9.4.

Dietary total, MUFA, and PUFA fat; fiber; and vegetable intake were higher in the AV group compared with the C group (P < 0.05), and no change in body weight or composition was observed (P > 0.05). Differences between the changes in MISI after AV compared with C were not different (Δ0-12 wk, P = 0.1092). Differences in fasting insulin (Δ0-12 wk, P = 0.0855) and improved glycated hemoglobin (Δ0-12 wk, P = 0.0632) after AV compared with C were suggested. C-reactive protein was significantly lower after AV compared with C at 12 wk (P = 0.0418). Select biomarkers of endothelial activation and lipoproteins by NMR were also influenced by AV compared with C food intake. Conclusions: Avocado intake was associated with a healthier dietary pattern and trends favoring improved glucose control and reduced biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk when replacing avocado energy for carbohydrate energy in free-living adults who are overweight or with obesity and have insulin resistance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02695433.