Dark Chocolate for Cardiovascular Disease

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Must not be taking: Metabolic disorder medications

Disqualifiers: Smoker, Pregnant, Lactose intolerance, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 weeks

45 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you require medication for metabolic disorders, you cannot participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dark Chocolate for cardiovascular disease?

Research shows that dark chocolate, which is rich in flavonoids (natural compounds with antioxidant properties), can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function. These effects suggest that dark chocolate may help protect against cardiovascular diseases. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is dark chocolate safe for human consumption?

Research suggests that moderate consumption of dark chocolate is generally safe for humans and may even have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. However, it is important to consume it in moderation to avoid potential negative effects like weight gain. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How does dark chocolate as a treatment for cardiovascular disease differ from other treatments?

Dark chocolate is unique because it contains high levels of flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function. Unlike traditional medications, it offers a pleasurable way to potentially protect against cardiovascular disease. ^{1 2 4 7 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the US. Epidemiologic evidence supports that antioxidant-rich diets promote health and attenuate or delay the onset of CVD. Cocoa and chocolate products have among the highest antioxidant concentrations compared to other antioxidant food sources. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of regular dark chocolate, bloomed dark chocolate, and white chocolate on cardiovascular health markers.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with sleep apnea and/or cardiovascular disease. Participants should be interested in how different types of chocolate affect heart health markers. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided, but typically these would outline who can or cannot participate based on factors like age, health status, and other conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Generally healthy subjects

Exclusion Criteria

Smoker

Required dietary supplement use

Pregnant woman

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume 50g of either dark chocolate, bloomed dark chocolate, or white chocolate daily

2 weeks

Daily consumption

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cardiovascular health markers after treatment

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dark Chocolate
• White Chocolate

Trial Overview The study investigates the impact of regular dark chocolate, bloomed dark chocolate (chocolate that shows a white coating due to fat or sugar bloom), and white chocolate on cardiovascular health markers to see if they influence the risk factors for heart diseases.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dark chocolate Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects consume 50g of dark chocolate daily for 15 days.

Group II: White chocolate Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects consume 50g of white chocolate daily for 15 days.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Findings from Research

Regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa products can significantly lower systolic blood pressure, with a study showing a mean reduction of 5.8 mmHg in a population with mild hypercholesterolemia.

Human dietary intervention trials indicate that flavanol-containing foods, like cocoa, improve endothelial and platelet function, supporting their potential cardiovascular benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of cocoa flavanols on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Erdman, JW., Carson, L., Kwik-Uribe, C., et al.[2008]

References

1. Turkey pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The mysterious light of dark chocolate. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chocolate consumption and mortality following a first acute myocardial infarction: the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program. [2022]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dark chocolate: consumption for pleasure or therapy? [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The emerging role of flavonoid-rich cocoa and chocolate in cardiovascular health and disease. [2019]

6. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of cocoa flavanols on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. [2008]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Can chocolate consumption reduce cardio-cerebrovascular risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2019]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Cacoa and dark chocolate in cardiovascular prevention?]. [2013]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Central arterial hemodynamic effects of dark chocolate ingestion in young healthy people: a randomized and controlled trial. [2022]