Is avocado beneficial for lipid profiles? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

2025-10
Clinical nutrition ESPEN 69
- Bruno M Candeloro
- Sandra M Barbalho
- Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Rodrigo D Raimundo
- Beatriz L Stevanato
- Maria C B Assumpção
- Estela M D Casangel
- Edson H Ito
- Matheus C Barros
- Andrey A Porto
- David M Garner
- Vitor E Valenti

PubMed: 40876535
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.08.019

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Population: Individuals with dyslipidemia, overweight, and diabetic populations
Methods: Systematic search in EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for reviews published up to June 2024; quality assessment using PRISMA 2020, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE

Background and aims

Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and phytochemicals and has been linked to favorable lipid and cardiometabolic outcomes. This review synthesized evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on avocado consumption and its effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for reviews published up to June 2024. Eligible studies examined the impact of avocado on lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Study quality was assessed using PRISMA 2020, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE.

Results

Eight reviews met inclusion criteria. In individuals with dyslipidemia, avocado intake was associated with reductions in LDL-c (-9.4 to -17 mg/dL) and TC. Effects on HDL-c and TG (30-500 g/day) were inconsistent. Modest improvements in blood pressure were observed in hypertensive individuals. Among overweight and diabetic populations, reductions in fasting insulin and HbA1c were reported, with no significant changes in fasting glucose or BMI.

Conclusion

Avocado intake may benefit individuals with dyslipidemia by lowering LDL-c and TC. However, inconsistent findings for HDL-c and TG and methodological limitations highlight the need for standardized, long-term trials.

Research Insights

avocado→Increased HDL Cholesterol
Effects on HDL-c ... were inconsistent
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
avocado intake was associated with reductions in ... TC
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Blood Pressure
Modest improvements in blood pressure were observed in hypertensive individuals
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Body Mass Index
no significant changes in ... BMI
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
no significant changes in fasting glucose
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Hemoglobin A1c
reductions in ... HbA1c were reported
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Insulin Levels
Among overweight and diabetic populations, reductions in fasting insulin ... were reported
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
In individuals with dyslipidemia, avocado intake was associated with reductions in LDL-c (-9.4 to -17 mg/dL)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day
avocado→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
Effects on ... TG (30-500 g/day) were inconsistent
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
30-500 g/day