A recent study has revealed that cocoa extract supplements may significantly reduce age-related inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, conducted by an international team of scientists, builds on previous findings that highlighted the benefits of flavanol-rich foods, such as chocolate, in reducing mortality rates associated with heart conditions.
Flavanols, which are found in cocoa beans as well as in foods like green tea, apples, and grapes, have long been studied for their health benefits. They are believed to combat excess inflammation, a process known as “inflammaging,” which worsens with age and is linked to various health issues, including chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease. If cocoa supplements can effectively mitigate this inflammation, the implications for overall health could be profound.
Howard Sesso, an epidemiologist from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the United States, noted, “Our interest in cocoa extract and inflammaging started based on cocoa-related reductions in cardiovascular disease. We wanted to see whether multi-year cocoa extract supplementation versus a placebo could modulate inflammaging – and the data suggests it does.”
The study involved 598 healthy adults aged 60 and older, who were given either a 500 milligram cocoa extract supplement or a placebo daily for a duration of two years. During this period, researchers measured inflammatory biomarkers in the participants’ blood. The results indicated that the cocoa extract significantly slowed the increase in hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a widely recognized biomarker for systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. Notably, the most significant effects were observed in participants who began the study with a high cardiovascular risk.
The implications of these findings for overall health are still being explored. Future research could examine the relationship between cocoa extract and changes in cytokines, small proteins that play a critical role in immune responses. Yanbin Dong, a cardiologist and population geneticist at Augusta University, remarked, “Interestingly, we also observed an increase in interferon-γ, an immune-related cytokine, which opens new questions for future research.”
While cocoa extract should not be viewed as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, the study’s outcomes are encouraging and highlight its potential in managing inflammation as individuals age. Previous research, known as the Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study, found that cocoa supplement intake was associated with a 27 percent reduction in cardiovascular-related deaths among seniors. This suggests that hsCRP may play a role in lowering cardiovascular disease risk by reducing inflammation.
It is important to note that part of the funding for the study came from investigator-initiated grants from Mars Edge, a division of Mars Incorporated. Although this connection does not invalidate the findings, it raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given that confectionery companies may have a vested interest in promoting health benefits associated with cocoa extract.
Looking ahead, cocoa supplements could provide a means to manage inflammation and reduce heart disease risk, ultimately promoting better health over time. Sesso emphasized the significance of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, stating, “This study calls for more attention to the advantage of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, including cocoa products rich in flavanols.” He reinforced the importance of a varied, colorful, plant-based diet, especially in the context of combating inflammation.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Age and Ageing, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of cocoa and its extract. As investigations continue, the role of cocoa in managing age-related health issues may become increasingly relevant to public health strategies aimed at improving the quality of life in older adults.
