Effects of avocado consumption on gut health and cognition in overweight adults
Persea Americana for Total Health (PATH)-2
This study tests if eating avocados can improve gut health and thinking skills in overweight adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05941728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates how eating avocados influences gastrointestinal health and cognitive function in adults who are overweight or obese. Participants will consume meals with and without avocados over three separate 4-week periods. Throughout the study, they will provide stool samples and complete cognitive assessments to evaluate changes in their gut microbiome and thinking abilities. The trial aims to uncover potential links between avocado intake, gut health, and cognitive performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 25 to 74 with a BMI of 25 or higher who can provide stool samples promptly.
Not a fit: Patients with avocado allergies, significant gastrointestinal diseases, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary interventions that improve gut health and cognitive function in overweight individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated potential benefits of dietary interventions on gut health and cognition.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be between the ages of 25 and 74 years old * BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 * Ability to drop off fecal sample within 15 minutes of defecation * 20/20 or corrected vision Exclusion Criteria: * Avocado allergy or intolerance * Food allergies or intolerances * Prior diagnosis of liver or gastrointestinal disease (primary biliary cirrhosis or gallbladder disease, chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, stomach or duodenal ulcers), diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, or cancer * Women that are pregnant, have given birth in the previous 12 months or are lactating * Individuals that smoke, use tobacco, abuse drugs, or consume \> 2 alcoholic beverages per day. * \> 5% weight change in the past month or \> 10% change in the past six months * Oral antibiotics during the previous 6 weeks. * Currently taking lipid-lowering medications, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin. * History of malabsorptive or restrictive bariatric surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band) or gall bladder removal surgery. * Are unable to consume the experimental meals/snacks. * Allergic to latex * Concurrent enrollment in another dietary, exercise, or medication study
Where this trial is running
Urbana, Illinois
- University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign — Urbana, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hannah Holscher, PhD, RD — University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Study coordinator: Hannah D Holscher, PhD, RD
- Email: hholsche@illinois.edu
- Phone: 217-300-2512
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.