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Published on: September 20, 2019
The Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT): A Collaborative Multicenter Model for Large-Scale, Privately Funded
Penny M Kris-Etherton1, Zhaoping Li2, Nirupa R Matthan3
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
Current Developments in Nutrition
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Daily avocado consumption did not reduce visceral adiposity in a large clinical trial. However, it improved diet quality, LDL cholesterol, and gut microbiome health in participants.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Clinical Trials
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Visceral adiposity is a health concern linked to increased waist circumference.
- Dietary patterns significantly influence body composition and metabolic health.
- Avocado consumption's impact on health markers requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the research protocol and findings of the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT).
- To evaluate the effect of daily avocado intake on visceral adiposity.
- To explore secondary outcomes related to diet quality, lipid profiles, and gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- A large multicenter clinical trial involving 1008 participants.
- Intervention group consumed 1 avocado daily for 6 months.
- Control group maintained their habitual diet.
Main Results:
- Daily avocado intake did not significantly affect visceral adiposity.
- Avocado consumption led to improvements in diet quality.
- Secondary analyses revealed positive effects on LDL cholesterol and gut microbiome composition.
Conclusions:
- Consuming one avocado daily for six months did not alter visceral adiposity.
- Avocado intake positively impacted diet quality, blood lipids, and gut bacteria.
- The HAT model demonstrates a productive approach for health research consortia.
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