The Association Between Habitual Avocado Intake and Metabolic Syndrome (P08-035-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between habitual avocado intake, and cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We hypothesized that regular avocado intake is associated with a lower occurrence of elevated blood glucose (BG), TG, blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC), and/or decreased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis was done on a random sample (n = ∼850) of subjects from the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort. Diet was assessed using a quantitative FFQ, which included an item for avocado/guacamole intake. Avocado intake (g/day) was calculated: f * s * n where f = the weighted frequency of avocado; s = the weighted portion size of avocado; and n = standard serving size (32 g) of avocado. FFQ data was also used to calculate total energy intake. Medication use, fasting BG, TG, HDL-C, BP, and WC were assessed during clinics. MetS was defined as follows: ≥3 of the diagnostic criteria defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III. Descriptive statistics including differences of means were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of metabolic syndrome for non-consumers (0 g/day; reference) versus consumers (>0 g/day; 51% of subjects) of avocado. Covariates were measured via a questionnaire: age, gender, race, education, energy intake, and dietary patterns. ResultsThe odds for MetS for avocado consumers was non-significantly lower compared to nonconsumers: OR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.58, 1.30). Mean diastolic BP and WC were significantly lower among avocado consumers compared to nonconsumers. Mean HDL-C, TG, BG, and systolic BP did not differ between groups. ConclusionsNo relationship between habitual avocado intake and MetS has been found. However, there may be an inverse relationship between avocado intake and specific cardiometabolic risk factors: diastolic BP and WC. Funding SourcesHass Avocado Board, NIH, National Cancer Institute.