Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map

ObjectiveThis scoping review evaluates the breadth of research on avocado intake and health, considering all populations and health outcomes (registered on Open Science Foundation at https://osf.io/nq5hk).DesignAny human intervention or observational study where effects could be isolated to consumpt...

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Main Authors: Stephen A. Fleming, Tristen L. Paul, Rachel A. F. Fleming, Alison K. Ventura, Megan A. McCrory, Corrie M. Whisner, Paul A. Spagnuolo, Louise Dye, Jana Kraft, Nikki A. Ford
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Nutrition
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1488907/full
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author Stephen A. Fleming
Tristen L. Paul
Rachel A. F. Fleming
Alison K. Ventura
Megan A. McCrory
Corrie M. Whisner
Paul A. Spagnuolo
Louise Dye
Jana Kraft
Jana Kraft
Nikki A. Ford
author_facet Stephen A. Fleming
Tristen L. Paul
Rachel A. F. Fleming
Alison K. Ventura
Megan A. McCrory
Corrie M. Whisner
Paul A. Spagnuolo
Louise Dye
Jana Kraft
Jana Kraft
Nikki A. Ford
author_sort Stephen A. Fleming
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveThis scoping review evaluates the breadth of research on avocado intake and health, considering all populations and health outcomes (registered on Open Science Foundation at https://osf.io/nq5hk).DesignAny human intervention or observational study where effects could be isolated to consumption of avocado were included. A systematic literature search through April 2024 was conducted (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL) and supplemented by backwards citation screening. Dual screening, data extraction, and conflict resolution were performed by three reviewers and an interactive evidence map was created.ResultsAfter deduplication, 8,823 unique records were retrieved; 58 articles met inclusion criteria, comprising 45 unique studies (28 interventions, 17 observational studies). Studies were largely conducted in the United States or Latin America and generally included adults, with overweight/obesity, frequently with elevated lipid concentrations. Interventions assessed the impact of diets enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids, diets higher/lower in carbohydrates, or in free-feeding conditions. Larger amounts of avocados were used in interventions than commonly consumed in observational studies (60–300 vs. 0–10 g/d, respectively). Blood lipids, nutrient bioavailability, cardiovascular risk, glycemia, and anthropometric variables were the most common outcomes reported across all studies.ConclusionFuture recommendations for novel research include the study of: European, Asian, adolescent or younger, and senior populations; dose–response designs and longer length interventions; dietary compensation; and the need for greater replication. The results have been made public and freely available, and a visual, interactive map was created to aid in science translation. This evidence map should enable future meta-analyses, enhance communication and transparency in avocado research, and serve as a resource for policy guidance.
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spelling doaj-art-6add29d6898c4c82a5a3ab35ecf575a62025-02-10T05:16:14ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Nutrition2296-861X2025-02-011210.3389/fnut.2025.14889071488907Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence mapStephen A. Fleming0Tristen L. Paul1Rachel A. F. Fleming2Alison K. Ventura3Megan A. McCrory4Corrie M. Whisner5Paul A. Spagnuolo6Louise Dye7Jana Kraft8Jana Kraft9Nikki A. Ford10Traverse Science, Mundelein, IL, United StatesTraverse Science, Mundelein, IL, United StatesTraverse Science, Mundelein, IL, United StatesDepartment of Kinesiology and Public Health, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United StatesDepartment of Health Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United StatesCollege of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United StatesDepartment of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, CanadaInstitute for Sustainable Food and School of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United KingdomDepartment of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United StatesDepartment of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, The University of Vermont, Colchester, VT, United StatesAvocado Nutrition Center, Mission Viejo, CA, United StatesObjectiveThis scoping review evaluates the breadth of research on avocado intake and health, considering all populations and health outcomes (registered on Open Science Foundation at https://osf.io/nq5hk).DesignAny human intervention or observational study where effects could be isolated to consumption of avocado were included. A systematic literature search through April 2024 was conducted (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL) and supplemented by backwards citation screening. Dual screening, data extraction, and conflict resolution were performed by three reviewers and an interactive evidence map was created.ResultsAfter deduplication, 8,823 unique records were retrieved; 58 articles met inclusion criteria, comprising 45 unique studies (28 interventions, 17 observational studies). Studies were largely conducted in the United States or Latin America and generally included adults, with overweight/obesity, frequently with elevated lipid concentrations. Interventions assessed the impact of diets enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids, diets higher/lower in carbohydrates, or in free-feeding conditions. Larger amounts of avocados were used in interventions than commonly consumed in observational studies (60–300 vs. 0–10 g/d, respectively). Blood lipids, nutrient bioavailability, cardiovascular risk, glycemia, and anthropometric variables were the most common outcomes reported across all studies.ConclusionFuture recommendations for novel research include the study of: European, Asian, adolescent or younger, and senior populations; dose–response designs and longer length interventions; dietary compensation; and the need for greater replication. The results have been made public and freely available, and a visual, interactive map was created to aid in science translation. This evidence map should enable future meta-analyses, enhance communication and transparency in avocado research, and serve as a resource for policy guidance.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1488907/fullPersea americanapublic healthobesitycardiovascular healthdietary patterns
spellingShingle Stephen A. Fleming
Tristen L. Paul
Rachel A. F. Fleming
Alison K. Ventura
Megan A. McCrory
Corrie M. Whisner
Paul A. Spagnuolo
Louise Dye
Jana Kraft
Jana Kraft
Nikki A. Ford
Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
Frontiers in Nutrition
Persea americana
public health
obesity
cardiovascular health
dietary patterns
title Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
title_full Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
title_fullStr Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
title_full_unstemmed Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
title_short Exploring avocado consumption and health: a scoping review and evidence map
title_sort exploring avocado consumption and health a scoping review and evidence map
topic Persea americana
public health
obesity
cardiovascular health
dietary patterns
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1488907/full
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