Flavanols and Skin Photo Protection: a Clinical Trial

Flavanols and Skin Photo Protection: a Double Blind Clinical Trial

As flavanols have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-DNA damaging effects and may increase microcirculation in skin, the purpose of the study is to investigate the chronic effect of flavanol-rich chocolate as an effective strategy to protect against the harmful effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Recent data suggested that chronic ingestion of high flavanols cocoa might be a promising agent for dietary photo protection against UV light. Moreover, flavanols-rich cocoa intake has been shown to increase microcirculation in human skin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-smoking women between the ages of 20 and 65 years.
• Normal skin of type I and II as decried by Fitzpatrick classification.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy and breast feeding.
• Photo sensibility: history of skin cancers, photosensitizing medication.
• Sun bed use or sunbathing in the previous 3 months.
• Use of supplements or natural health products (fish oils, coenzyme Q10, garlic, lycopene, beta carotene).
• Allergy or intolerance to nuts or chocolate.