Avocado and Gut Health

Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit vegetable known for its creamy texture and healthy fats. While avocados offer fiber and beneficial nutrients, they can trigger gut symptoms in sensitive individuals due to their FODMAP and histamine content. Portion size is key for tolerability.

Avocado
  • Contains sorbitol, a FODMAP that can cause symptoms in sensitive individuals
  • Acts as a histamine liberator and can be high in histamine
  • Rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers, supporting gut health
  • Low in fructose, generally tolerated by those with fructose intolerance
  • Moderate in salicylates and nickel, which may affect sensitive people

Avocado and FODMAP Content

Avocado contains sorbitol, a polyol FODMAP that can cause digestive symptoms like bloating and gas, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Small servings of up to 30 grams are usually well tolerated, but larger portions (over 80 grams) are likely to trigger symptoms. Portion control is important for those following a low-FODMAP diet.

Avocado - FODMAP Profile
FODMAPs Level Portion Guidance
Monosaccharides (Fructose)
Low–Moderate
Disaccharides (Lactose)
Low
Fructooligosaccharides (Fructans)
Low
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Low
Polyols (Mannitol)
Low
Polyols (Sorbitol)
High
  • ≤ 30 g = Low
  • 31–80 g = Moderate
  • > 80 g = High

Histamine and Avocado

Avocado can be high in histamine and is also considered a histamine liberator, meaning it may trigger the release of histamine in the body. This makes avocado a high-risk food for people with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation issues. Symptoms may include headaches, hives, or digestive upset after eating avocado.

Avocado — Histamine Profile
Histamine & Related Level Portion Guidance
Histamine Level
High
  • ≤ 30 g = Low
  • 31–80 g = Moderate
  • > 80 g = High
Other Biogenic Amines
Low–Moderate
  • ≤ 80 g = Low
  • > 80 g = Low–Moderate
Histamine Liberator
High
DAO Blocker
Low

Fiber Content in Avocado

Avocado is a good source of dietary fiber, providing about 6.7 grams per 100 grams, with both soluble and insoluble types. Soluble fiber helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and supports regular bowel movements, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool. This combination can promote overall digestive health for those who tolerate avocado.

Avocado — Fiber Profile

Total Fiber

6.70 g per 100 g
Soluble: 1.70 g per 100 g (25.4%)
Insoluble: 5.00 g per 100 g (74.6%)

Fructose and Sorbitol in Avocado

Avocado contains very little fructose, making it generally safe for people with fructose intolerance. However, the presence of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, can cause digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals, especially in larger servings. Monitoring portion size helps reduce the risk of discomfort.

Other Sensitivities: Salicylates and Nickel

Avocado contains moderate amounts of salicylates and nickel, which may cause reactions in people sensitive to these compounds. Symptoms can include oral irritation, skin reactions, or digestive upset. If you have known sensitivities, it is best to test avocado in small amounts.

Avocado — Allergy Profile
EU Major Allergens
🌾
Cereals with Gluten
Absent
Details
  • Absent Wheat / Spelt
  • Absent Rye
  • Absent Barley
  • Absent Oats
🦐
Crustaceans
Absent
Details
  • Absent Crabs
  • Absent Prawns
  • Absent Shrimp
  • Absent Lobsters
  • Absent Crayfish
🥚
Eggs
Absent
🐟
Fish
Absent
🥜
Peanuts
Absent
🌱
Soy
Absent
🥛
Milk
Absent
🌰
Tree Nuts
Absent
Details
  • Absent Almonds
  • Absent Brazil Nuts
  • Absent Cashews
  • Absent Hazelnuts
  • Absent Macadamia Nuts
  • Absent Pecans
  • Absent Pistachios
  • Absent Walnuts
🍃
Celery
Absent
🧂
Mustard
Absent
🧈
Sesame
Absent
🧪
Sulphur Dioxide & Sulphites
Absent
🌼
Lupin
Absent
🐚
Molluscs
Absent
Details
  • Absent Clams
  • Absent Mussels
  • Absent Octopus
  • Absent Oysters
  • Absent Snails
  • Absent Squid
Other Allergens
🥥
Coconut
Absent
🍯
Honey
Absent
🧫
Yeast
Absent

Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado and Gut Health

Is avocado low or high FODMAP?

Small servings (up to 30 grams) are low FODMAP, but larger amounts are high due to sorbitol.

Can avocado cause histamine reactions?

Yes, avocado can be high in histamine and acts as a histamine liberator, triggering symptoms in sensitive people.

Is avocado good for gut health due to its fiber?

Avocado is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can support gut health if tolerated.

Does avocado contain fructose or sorbitol?

Avocado contains very little fructose but does have sorbitol, which can cause symptoms in some people.

Can avocado trigger other sensitivities?

Avocado contains moderate salicylates and nickel, which may affect sensitive individuals.