Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a carbohydrate extract comprising mannoheptulose from avocados, as well as compositions, including food compositions, comprising such extracts. The process includes separating the aqueous emulsion into different fractions by centrifugation, and isolating the water-soluble fraction (water extract) comprising avocado carbohydrates, including mannoheptulose. In various aspects, the process optionally includes steps of heating, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, concentrating, and or drying the extract. Also described herein are methods for using the carbohydrate extract comprising mannoheptulose and compositions comprising the carbohydrate extract comprising mannoheptulose.

Abstract: Avocados are processed in a controlled manner to optimize and maintain their levels of mannoheptulose and perseitol. The avocado flesh is used as a source of these materials in food compositions, especially pet foods.

Abstract: The undomesticated, i.e., criollo-type of avocado found growing in the tropics, particularly in the Dominican Republic, is used to prepare nutritional compositions for oral ingestion by humans and lower animals, especially pets such as dogs and cats.