Effect of avocado soybean unsaponifiables on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was carried out in 14 obese adult volunteers. After random allocation of the intervention, 7 patients received 300 mg of ASU or placebo during a fasting state for 3 months. A metabolic profile including IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels was carried out prior to the intervention. A hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was used to assess insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity phases. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were performed for statistical analyses. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of our institution.

RESULTS

At baseline, both groups were similar according to clinical and laboratory characteristics. There was no significant difference in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity with ASU.

CONCLUSIONS

ASU administration for 3 months did not modify insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity.