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 .
Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND The consumption of dietary antioxidants is considered to be a good strategy against photo-aging . However , the results of previous clinical trials that investigated the effects of oral consumption of high-flavanol cocoa products on skin photo-aging have been contradictory . OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-flavanol cocoa supplementation would improve the moderately photo-aged facial skin of female participants , by assessing skin wrinkles and elasticity . METHODS We performed a 24-wk , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of cocoa flavanols on cutaneous photo-aging .  All participants were moderately photo-aged Korean women with visible facial wrinkles ( age range : 43 - 86 y ) . Participants were r and omly assigned to receive a placebo beverage or cocoa beverage that contained 320 mg total cocoa flavanols/d . We measured wrinkles , skin elasticity , and hydration at baseline and at 12 and 24 wk . The primary endpoint was the mean percentage change in the average roughness value ( Rz ) at 24 wk . RESULTS At 24 wk , the mean percentage change in Rz ( primary endpoint ) was significantly lower in the cocoa group than in the placebo group ( -8.7 percentage points ; 95 % CI : -16.1 , -1.3 percentage points ; P = 0.023 ) . The mean percentage changes in gross elasticity , as determined by a cutometer , also differed between the groups at 12 wk ( 9.1 percentage points ; 95 % CI : 1.5 , 16.7 percentage points ; P = 0.020 ) and 24 wk ( 8.6 percentage points ; 95 % CI : 1.0 , 16.2 percentage points ; P = 0.027 ) . However , there were no significant differences in skin hydration and barrier integrity between the 2 groups . CONCLUSIONS In moderately photo-aged women , regular cocoa flavanol consumption had positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity .  Cocoa flavanol supplementation may contribute to the prevention of the progression of photo-aging . This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT02060097
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 .