Consumption of avocado and associations with nutrient, food and anthropometric measures in a representative survey of Australians: a secondary analysis of the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

Abstract

Avocados are a rich source of nutrients including monounsaturated fats, dietary fibre, potassium and magnesium, as well as phytochemicals. However, no epidemiological analysis for the associations between avocado consumption and participant anthropometric measures has been conducted in Australia. The present study aimed to perform a secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) to quantify avocado consumption in the Australian population and explore the associations between avocado intakes, consumption of nutrients and food groups based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs) and anthropometric measurements. Usual avocado consumption in the 2011–2012 NNPAS was determined using the multiple source method regression model. The relationship between avocado consumption and intakes of key nutrients and food groups, and participant weight, BMI and waist circumference were examined using linear regression. Mean avocado intake was 2.56 (95% CI: 2.37, 2.75) grams per day with 15.9 % of Australians considered to be ‘avocado consumers’ (n=21,526,456 population size; n=12,153 observations). Greater consumption (g) of avocados was associated with significantly higher consumption of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium, as well as ‘whole grains’, ‘vegetables’, ‘fruit’ and ‘meat and alternatives’ food groups. Greater consumption (g) avocados was associated with significantly lower consumption of carbohydrates and discretionary foods. When adjusted for covariates, greater consumption of avocados was significantly associated with a lower body weight (p=0.034), BMI (p<0.001), and waist circumference (p<0.001). Avocados may be incorporated into an eating pattern, and may be beneficial in weight management.

A Comprehensive Review of Hass Avocado Clinical Trials, Observational Studies, and Biological Mechanisms

“…Four observational and five clinical studies evaluated the effects of Hass avocados on weight management or hunger and satiety [4,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Current dietary guidelines recommend the consumption of an adequate intake of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to help maintain and achieve a healthy weight through reducing eating rate, lowering the total dietary energy density (ED), and increasing fiber intake by displacing other foods and snacks that are moderate to high in ED and low in fiber [1,31].…”

“…For weight control, avocados with an ED of 1.6 kcal/g (79% by weight of water and fiber) support better weight management and improve body composition [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Most fresh fruits have a high bulk volume and low energy density (ED), ranging from 0.3 to 1.6 kcal/g [2,[5][6][7].…”

“…Analysis of the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2011-2012 NNPAS found when adjusted for covariates that greater avocado consumption was associated with lower body weight, BMI, and waist circumference [32]. The mean intake of avocado was 2.56 g per day, with 15.9% of Australians classified as avocado consumers.…”

Do sauces, condiments and seasonings contribute important amounts of nutrients to Australian dietary intakes?

“…Only the day one 24-h recalls were used in the present study because these were available for the entire study sample, similar to previous analyses of NNPAS data. 13,14 For participants aged 15 years or younger, interviews were conducted with a parent or guardian proxy and/or the child. An automated multiple-pass method and food model booklets were used in interviews to improve the accuracy of data collection and assist with recall and quantity estimations.…”

“…All 12,153 people completed one 24‐h recall, and a subset of this sample (64%) also completed a second 24‐h recall. Only the day one 24‐h recalls were used in the present study because these were available for the entire study sample, similar to previous analyses of NNPAS data 13,14 . For participants aged 15 years or younger, interviews were conducted with a parent or guardian proxy and/or the child.…”