Avocado consumption increases vitamin absorbtion

Avocado consumption has shown to increase the body’s natural ability to absorb vitamin A according to a new study conducted by Ohio State University.
The study was supported by the Hass Avocado Board, National Center for Research Resources, and the Nutrient and Phytochemical Analytic Shared Resource of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Vitamin A deficiency affects a staggering percentage of the population, especially in the developing world. Globally, it is estimated to affect 0.9% of preschool children and 7.8% of pregnant women. It is the leading cause of blindness in children and is also associated with increased burden of infectious disease, xerophthalmia (dry-eye syndrome), night blindness, and increased risk of mortality.”

The addition of one 150 gram avocado to a meal:

• Significantly increased beta-carotene absorption 6.6 times
• More than quadrupled (4.8 times) alpha-carotene absorption
• Significantly increased (12.6 times) the conversion of provitamin A (inactive vitamin form) to vitamin A (active vitamin form)

Lesson plan: Eat your veggies!