Avocado Extract & Weight Loss

Avocado extract is being touted as a weight-loss supplement due to its effect on the pancreas and suppression of carbohydrate cravings. A study done on cancer cells by the Department of Biochemistry at Oxford University adds credibility to this claim by proving that mannoheptulose, a purified form of avocado extract, affects the glucose uptake of cancer cells. However, there is little scientific evidence to back up the claim that avocado extract is actually useful as a weight-loss supplement.

History

• Avocado extract first appeared on the health market in 1983. However, problems such as diarrhea kept it from making much headway. Originally, avocado extract was targeted toward the care of hair and skin, a market where it had already been shown to have some effect as a topical application. It was not until 2000 that the possibility of avocado extract assisting with weight loss was discovered. This was following a human study meant to record the safety and effectiveness of what Quality Nutritional Supplements calls "a controlled-release avocado extract preparation." I have not been able to find this human study anywhere, in spite of the claim.

Mechanism

• It is suspected avocado extract assists with weight loss by supplanting the craving for carbohydrates. The website, Health Stance, states, "avocado extract works by minimizing the pancreas' insulin production and inducing it to produce normal amounts." This suppresses the feeling of hunger, and with less carbohydrates being consumed, less are converted into body fat. Scientific research done by Oxford University draws attention to the extract's interaction with glucose. However, this was research done specifically on cancer cells. There has been, as of 2009, no study conducted targeting the weight loss use of avocado extract.

Dosage

• While Charles Reinwald, in his Healthy Living Recommendations, recommends one to two tablets of the extract a day, Quality Nutritional Supplements says that the effective dose can vary. Since this is a new supplement being introduced into the person's system, it is best to consult a health professional prior to beginning the supplement for best results.

Significance

• Obesity is a pervasive problem in America and a large number of weight-loss medications come with possible addiction or other harmful side effects, such as heart problems or liver damage. Avocado extract, a food derivative, does not appear to carry these side effects. However, since the claims are not scientifically founded, it remains to be seen what effect avocado extract really has with long-term use.

Warning

• As this is a supplement and there is always the possibility of it being used incorrectly or interacting with prescription medication, it is recommended a physician is consulted prior to taking avocado extract. Another thing to consider is that WebMD, a common source for medical information, does not have a listing for avocado extract as a supplement and RxList, a listing of common drugs and supplements, considers there to be too little information regarding the effectiveness of avocado extract as a weight loss supplement. So while there are quite a few places that tout avocado extract for its benefits, it appears the established medical community may feel otherwise.