A recent study suggests that consistent consumption of supplements containing cocoa extract may lead to a reduction in inflammatory markers among older adults.
The research, conducted by investigators from Massachusetts General Brigham and published in the journal Age and Ageing, indicates that a daily intake of 500 mg of cocoa flavanols over a two-year period resulted in an approximate 8% annual decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. HsCRP is a well-established indicator associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Additionally, participants who incorporated cocoa extract into their daily regimen experienced an annual increase of nearly 7% in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels, a protein crucial for immune system function, compared to those who received a placebo. The study examined blood samples from 598 participants of the larger COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) trial, focusing on five age-related inflammation markers.
The COSMOS trial itself, conducted between 2014 and 2020 and involving over 21,000 participants aged 60 and above, previously found that cocoa extract supplements decreased cardiovascular disease mortality by 27%. The current findings build upon this by offering biological support for the heart-protective effects of cocoa flavanols, suggesting their anti-inflammatory potential plays a key role in modulating "inflammaging" – the age-related chronic inflammation that contributes to various health issues.
Researchers noted that the benefits of cocoa extract were more pronounced in individuals who had higher baseline levels of inflammation at the study's commencement. While the study highlights promising results, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to confirm these findings and to gain a deeper understanding of the precise mechanisms through which cocoa extract influences inflammatory processes within the body. It is also important to acknowledge that individual responses to supplements can vary based on overall diet and lifestyle, and consulting with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplementation regimen is always advisable.
This research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the potential health advantages of cocoa flavanols, particularly for an aging demographic. Further studies are anticipated to solidify these outcomes and to determine optimal dosages and durations for cocoa supplement use. The findings suggest that incorporating flavanol-rich cocoa products could be a valuable component of a strategy to support cardiovascular health and healthy aging