Insights & Discussion
Cocoa extract supplementation in older adults reduced cardiovascular disease related death rates, but did not significantly lessen total cardiovascular events.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 21,442 US adults aged 60 or over, all of who were free of major cardiovascular disease and recently diagnosed cancer. The participants were assigned to either a cocoa extract supplement, which included 500 mg flavanols per day, or a placebo. The intervention phase ran from June 2015 to December 2020. The primary outcome was focused on the number of total cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death among others.
The results showed that during a median follow-up of 3.6 years, there were 410 participants taking cocoa extract and 456 under placebo who had confirmed total cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints showed reduced death due to cardiovascular disease for the cocoa extract supplement users. However, there was no significant impact on the incidence of total cardiovascular events. Conversely, a lower risk of total cardiovascular events was supported when analyses were censored at nonadherence. Overall, no safety concerns were raised during the trial.
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Cocoa flavanols exhibit health and aging benefits and may act as powerful agents in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and cancer.
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This research primarily relies on a comprehensive review of numerous human studies conducted over the past two decades. These studies provided significant data related to the health effects of cocoa intake and its impact on various chronic diseases. The studies encompassed different demographics and health conditions.
Though most studies indicate beneficial effects of cocoa on health and prevention of chronic diseases, the results exhibit some inconsistency. Different studies suggest various mechanisms of action for cocoa, but these potential pathways are still not completely understood. Also, crucial issues like recommending cocoa consumption to healthy subjects or patients, determining the appropriate dosage, or the period of intake remain unresolved. Despite these unclarities, the potential of cocoa use to decrease the risk for certain chronic diseases and improve general health and quality of life is emphasized.