Whether its on toast, in a burrito, as a dip, or even as a face or hair mask, if there’s one fruit masquerading as a vegetable that we can’t seem to get enough of, it’s avocado. Their creamy texture and light flavor, combined with many benefits for our health, have made avocados a staple in many people’s kitchens. While most of us regularly enjoy avocados with no issues whatsoever, most of us are not aware of some potential avocado side effects. These side effects can be from both eating them and also using them on your skin. Understand these potential risks and that risk may differ from person to person.

Potential Side Effects of Avocados

It sounds a bit ridiculous talking about side effects of a food item that is so coveted for so many people. There are thousands, or probably even millions of people around the world who eat avocado every single day. The thought of avocados having potential side effects never even crossed my mind. As with anything, however, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Avocados, whether used as food or as a skin care ingredient, may not be for everyone. Here are the potential avocado side effects to be aware of. 

1. Skin Irritation

Many natural skin care promoters will talk about using avocado as a primary ingredient for a deeply moisturizing face mask. There are also versions of these masks for deep conditioning your hair and scalp. Many skin care brands have even jumped on the bandwagon, coming out with avocado-based creams and serums. When applied to the skin, avocado oil is generally well-tolerated and possibly safe for up to three months. However, some individuals may experience itching after using a cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B12. If you have never used avocado on your skin before, consider testing it out first on a hidden patch of skin elsewhere on your body to see how your skin reacts. As always, if you are using avocado or avocado-based products and start to notice an adverse reaction, stop use immediately. If the reaction doesn’t go away quickly, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

2. Latex Allergy
Interestingly enough, individuals with a latex allergy may have an allergic reaction to avocados due to cross-reactivity. While those two products don’t seem to have any relation whatsoever, for whatever reason those with latex allergies or sensitivities are also more likely to have allergic reactions to avocados. 

3. Stomach Allergy in Infants and Children

Some infants and children who are allergic to certain foods such as milk, oat, and rice may also have a stomach allergy to avocados. This allergy can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in affected individuals. Kids generally have much more sensitive systems than adults and many allergies and sensitivities they will grow out of as they get older. As always, when first introducing new foods to your baby, introduce them one at a time as single-ingredient foods. Don’t add other ingredients or flavoring agents. This is because, if they do have a reaction, you want to be able to know if it was to the food itself, in this case avocados. If the avocado is mixed with different spices or other ingredients, you won’t be able to tell what the child is actually reacting to.

4. Interactions with Medications

Most of us are aware of the reactions that grapefruit has with certain medications, but are completely unaware that there is a risk with avocados, too. Avocados may interact with certain medications. For example, there is a moderate interaction between avocados and warfarin (Coumadin), a medication used to slow blood clotting. Specifically, research shows that avocado may decrease the effects of warfarin, which can lead to excessive bleeding. Individuals taking warfarin should monitor their blood regularly and consult with their healthcare provider regarding any necessary adjustments to their medication.

5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As always, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding will want to be careful and closely monitor what they are eating and how they are feeling. For pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, it is recommended to stick to consuming avocados in food amounts. Some very limited research has shown the potential for avocados to decrease milk production for breastfeeding women. Limited reliable information is available regarding the safety of using avocado in larger amounts as medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are at all concerned, consult your doctor, who can help ease your concerns and steer you in the right direction.

The Bottom Line

Avocados are a very healthy food choice rich in essential nutrients and healthy fats. They can also provide many benefits when used topically on the skin and in hair. That being said, they may not be for everyone. If you notice that your skin doesn’t seem to react well to avocado, or that you tend to feel weird or have any kind of reaction after eating avocado, stop using or consuming it. You can consult your doctor for an allergy test if you wish, though ultimately, it’s best to simply avoid foods that don’t leave you feeling your best.