The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effects of avocado consumption on gastrointestinal health in adults with overweight and obesity. The main questions is aims to answer are: How does avocado consumption affect the gut microbiome? How does avocado consumption affect thinking? Are there connections between the microbiome and cognition? Participants will be asked to eat provided meals with and without avocados for three 4-week periods. At the end of each 4-week period, participants will be asked to provide stool samples and complete computer games that assess thinking and memory.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
The intervention treatment will contain avocado
The active comparator will contain a snack with oils and fibers that mimic an avocado
The sham comparator will contain foods/beverages that mimic a standard American Diet
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Urbana, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGFecal microbial species
Feacalibacterium spp., bacteria capable of producing SCFA and secondary bile acid synthesis measured using metagenomic sequencing
Time frame: 4 weeks
Fecal microbial genes
Microbial genes involved in short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acid synthesis measured using metagenomic sequencing
Time frame: 4 weeks
Concentration of fecal bile acids
Fecal bile acid concentrations using HPLC in avocado and active comparator vs. control,
Time frame: 4 weeks
Concentration of fecal SCFA
Fecal SCFA concentrations using GC-MS in avocado and active comparator vs. control,
Time frame: 4 weeks
Cognitive function
Neuropshycological function as measured by a clinical cognitive task battery.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Subjective gastrointestinal tolerance via questionnaire
Ratings of gastrointestinal symptoms (ease of stool passage, frequency of stools, abdominal pain, bloating, burping, flatulence, nausea, reflux, rumblings assessed using questionnaires
Time frame: 4 week
Digestive health using stool records/Bristol Stool Scale
Ratings of stool consistency using Bristol Stool Scale
Time frame: 4 week
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