Cardiovascular diseases are widespread and represent the most common cause of death in Germany and other industrialized countries. A change in diet is the most important measure to reduce the risk of these diseases. Numerous studies suggest that regular cocoa consumption positively affects vascular stiffness, blood pressure, and blood lipids, which could help protect against atherosclerotic vascular changes. The effects of cocoa are attributed to the flavanols it contains, which are secondary plant compounds.

This explains the growing interest in flavanol-rich cocoa products such as Acticoa cocoa. Following approval by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this may be advertised with the claim that "cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and thus contribute to normal blood flow", provided that a daily serving provides at least 200 mg of cocoa flavanols. Due to a flavanol-sparing manufacturing process, this amount is contained in 2.5 g of ActicoaÔ cocoa powder or 10 g of ActicoaÔ dark chocolate.

Among the cocoa flavanols, epicatechin is considered to be of particular importance. However, it is not yet clear whether epicatechin, which unlike other flavanols can be detected in relatively high amounts in the blood after cocoa consumption, is responsible for the positive effects of cocoa. It is possible that other ingredients in cocoa, such as the methylxanthines, are also essential for this. The methylxanthines in cocoa powder include theobromine and caffeine, with theobromine accounting for more than 90% and caffeine being comparatively low at less than 10%.

The study is to show which ingredients are responsible for the effects of a flavanol-rich cocoa on the vessels and blood lipids. The effects of pure epicatechin, pure methylxanthines (theobromine + caffeine) and epicatechin in combination with methylxanthines will be investigated and compared with the effects of cocoa and placebo.

The study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial in a parallel-group design in 75 healthy nonsmokers.

Each study participant takes 10 capsules daily for 4 weeks. These contain either flavanol-rich cocoa (Acticoa™), epicatechin, methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine), epicatechin + methylxanthines or no cocoa/ingredients (placebo). The daily dose of cocoa is 2.5 g. With the exception of the placebo, the other capsules provide the same amounts of epicatechin and/or methylxanthines as 2.5 g of cocoa.

Before and after the 4-week treatment, blood will be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, vascular stiffness will be examined by pulse wave frequency analysis, and blood pressure will be determined. In addition, body height and weight, waist and hip circumference, and body composition will be measured.

Before both examination appointments, you will keep a nutrition log for 3 days. You document the capsule intake in the intake log.

Your personal benefit by participating in the study:

• Free examination of your vascular health by pulse wave frequency analysis to determine vascular age; blood lipid analysis.
• Comprehensive check of your nutritional status and behavior
• Expense allowance of 30 € for complete study participation according to the study protocol

Interested in participating in the study?

Just send us an e-mail to: Janina.Rynarzewski@hs-niederrhein.de