Conclusion : Cocoa/DC supplementation does not reduce anthropometric measures significantly .
However subgroup analysis regarding dose ( ≥ 30 g/day ) and duration ( between 4 to 8 weeks ) revealed significant reduction of body weight and BMI
ABSTRACT Background : Cocoa and dark chocolate ( DC ) have been reported to be effective for health promotion ; however the exact effect of cocoa/DC on anthropometric measures have not been yet defined .
Effect of cocoa powder on the modulation of inflammatory biomarkers in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have suggested that flavonoid intake plays a critical role in the prevention of coronary heart disease . Because atherosclerosis is considered a low- grade inflammatory disease , some feeding trials have analyzed the effects of cocoa ( an important source of flavonoids ) on inflammatory biomarkers , but the results have been controversial . OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effects of chronic cocoa consumption on cellular and serum biomarkers related to atherosclerosis in high-risk patients . DESIGN Forty-two high-risk volunteers ( 19 men and 23 women ; mean + /- SD age : 69.7 + /- 11.5 y ) were included in a r and omized crossover feeding trial . All subjects received 40 g cocoa powder with 500 mL skim milk/d ( C+M ) or only 500 mL skim milk/d ( M ) for 4 wk . Before and after each intervention period , cellular and serum inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis were evaluated . RESULTS Adherence to the dietary protocol was excellent . No significant changes in the expression of adhesion molecules on T lymphocyte surfaces were found between the C+M and M groups . However , in monocytes , the expression of VLA-4 , CD40 , and CD36 was significantly lower ( P = 0.005 , 0.028 , and 0.001 , respectively ) after C+M intake than after M intake . In addition , serum concentrations of the soluble endothelium-derived adhesion molecules P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly lower ( both P = 0.007 ) after C+M intake than after M intake . CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the intake of cocoa polyphenols may modulate inflammatory mediators in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease . These antiinflammatory effects may contribute to the overall benefits of cocoa consumption against atherosclerosis . This trial was registered in the Current Controlled Trials at London , International St and ard R and omized Controlled Trial Number , at controlled-trials.com as IS RCT N75176807
Conclusion : Cocoa/DC supplementation does not reduce anthropometric measures significantly .
However subgroup analysis regarding dose ( ≥ 30 g/day ) and duration ( between 4 to 8 weeks ) revealed significant reduction of body weight and BMI
ABSTRACT Background : Cocoa and dark chocolate ( DC ) have been reported to be effective for health promotion ; however the exact effect of cocoa/DC on anthropometric measures have not been yet defined .