Effects of avocado consumption on gut health and cognition in overweight adults
Official title: Persea Americana for Total Health (PATH)-2
Run by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NCT05941728 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study tests if eating avocados can improve gut health and thinking skills in overweight adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05941728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 25 to 74 with a BMI of 25 or higher who can provide stool samples promptly.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with avocado allergies, significant gastrointestinal diseases, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated potential benefits of dietary interventions on gut health and cognition.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.