Avocado for Post-Meal Blood Sugar Control

Overseen By Clinical Research Project Manager

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Vermont Medical Center

Must not be taking: Antidiabetics, Appetite suppressants

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on medications that lower blood sugar, affect weight, appetite, or gut movement. If you are on stable treatment for hypertension or hyperlipidemia, you may still be eligible.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Avocado for post-meal blood sugar control?

Research suggests that avocados, which are high in healthy fats, may help control blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that diets rich in avocado can improve glycemic control (blood sugar management) in people with type 2 diabetes, and avocado intake is associated with better blood sugar regulation in Hispanic/Latino individuals. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is avocado safe for human consumption?

Research suggests that avocados are generally safe for human consumption. Studies have shown that avocados can have positive effects on body weight, insulin sensitivity, and satiety without indicating any significant safety concerns. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How does the treatment of avocado for post-meal blood sugar control differ from other treatments?

Avocado is unique in its use of natural fats and fibers to help control blood sugar levels after meals, potentially enhancing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger through the elevation of specific hormones like PYY. Unlike traditional medications, it offers a dietary approach that may also support better overall metabolic health. ^{1 2 3 5 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to see how adding avocado to a breakfast meal affects blood sugar control and signals of hunger and fullness after eating. The investigators will test the effects of 3 breakfast meals on blood sugar control and signals of hunger and fullness after eating: 1. Whole-wheat bread and strawberry jam 2. Whole-wheat bread, strawberry jam, and avocado 3. Whole-wheat bread and strawberry jam (meal enriched with fat and fiber to mimic that of an avocado) Participants will undergo 3 test periods, each separated by a week. Each test period consists of one day with set meals that the investigators will provide (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and then the next morning, participants will eat a breakfast meal and have blood drawn several times over 4 hours.

Research Team

Jana Kraft, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

University of Vermont

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults who don't smoke. Participants should not have any chronic diseases or conditions that affect metabolism or digestion. They must be willing to eat specific meals provided by the study and undergo blood tests.

Inclusion Criteria

BMI between 18.5 and 34.9 kg/m2

I am either male or female.

I am between 21 and 65 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Smoking or use of other tobacco products (during 6 months prior to the start of the study)

Allergies or adverse reactions to study foods (e.g., gluten intolerance), or food aversions that would interfere with diet adherence

History of eating disorders or other significant food preferences that would interfere with the diet intervention (e.g., vegan lifestyle, very low-fat diets, high-protein diets)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Test Periods

Participants undergo 3 test periods, each separated by a week, to evaluate the effects of different breakfast meals on blood sugar control and satiety signals.

3 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the test periods

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Avocado

Trial Overview The study is examining how adding avocado to breakfast affects blood sugar levels, hunger, and fullness compared to a standard meal of whole-wheat bread and jam, and another meal with added fat and fiber.

Participant Groups

Group I: Negative control breakfast Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a breakfast with bread and jam, no avocado.

Group II: Avocado addition breakfast Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a breakfast with bread, jam, and avocado.

Group III: Fat and fiber control breakfast Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a breakfast with bread and jam, no avocado. The breakfast meal will be enriched with fat and fiber to mimic that of an avocado.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Vermont Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

25,900+

Avocado Nutrition Center

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

560+

Findings from Research

A 28-day treatment with aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic leaf extracts of avocado significantly reduced blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic rats, with the methanolic extract showing the most pronounced effect.

The methanolic extract not only improved glucose homeostasis but also promoted regeneration of pancreatic islets and was well tolerated, indicating its potential as a natural treatment for diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous, Ethanol, and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Persea americana and Their Effectiveness in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. Kouamé, NM., Koffi, C., N'Zoué, KS., et al.[2020]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous, Ethanol, and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Persea americana and Their Effectiveness in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a high-monounsaturated fat diet enriched with avocado in NIDDM patients. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Associations between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes in US Adults with Hispanic/Latino Ancestry. [2023]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Associations between avocado intake and measures of glucose and insulin homeostasis in Hispanic individuals with and without type 2 diabetes: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). [2023]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the Avocado to Test the Satiety Effects of a Fat-Fiber Combination in Place of Carbohydrate Energy in a Breakfast Meal in Overweight and Obese Men and Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The design and rationale of a multi-center randomized clinical trial comparing one avocado per day to usual diet: The Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT). [2021]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Avocatin B Protects Against Lipotoxicity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Diet-Induced Obesity. [2020]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized 3×3 crossover study to evaluate the effect of Hass avocado intake on post-ingestive satiety, glucose and insulin levels, and subsequent energy intake in overweight adults. [2022]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of avocado soybean unsaponifiables on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Postprandial gut hormone responses to Hass avocado meals and their association with visual analog scores in overweight adults: A randomized 3 × 3 crossover trial. [2018]