High avocado intake significantly reduces the intake of energy and various macro and micronutrients in Hispanic/Latino families.
In this research, Seventy-two Hispanic/Latino families without severe chronic disease and not following specific diets were selected. These families, each with at least three members and all residing in the same household, were divided into two groups. One group received a low allotment of avocados (three per week) and the other received a high allotment (fourteen per week). Along with the prescribed amounts of avocado, both groups underwent twelve bi-weekly nutrition education sessions over a period of six months.
The study investigated the change in the families' total intake of energy, as well as macro and micronutrients as the primary outcomes. These assessments were made by comparing mean changes between groups at the end of the six months, while abiding by the intention-to-treat concept.
The results showed a significant reduction in not just energy intake, but also the intake of carbohydrates, animal and vegetable protein, fats (including saturated and polyunsaturated fats), and micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and vitamin D in the high avocado allotment group. Interestingly, the high allotment group reported a reduction of self-reported energy intake by a notable margin, much higher when compared to the decrease in the low allotment group. The study underscores the potential of culturally-appropriate plant-based interventions for improving nutritional status of at-risk families.
