An Investigation of the Dose-dependent Vascualr Effects of (-)-Epicatechin in Healthy Men

An Acute, Double-blind, Randomised, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Intervention Trial Investigating the Dose-dependent Vascular Effects of Pure (-)-Epicatechin (≤1 mg/kg BW) in Healthy Men.

Aim: To investigate the dose-dependent vascular effect (primarily using FMD) of 3 low-level doses of pure (-)-epicatechin ≤ 1 mg/kg BW (0.1, 0.5 & 1.0 mg/kg BW) in healthy men.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index 20-27.5 kg/m2
• Normal blood pressure at screening (< 150/90)
• Non-smoker
• Non-vegetarian
• 'Normal - low' chocolate consumer (<2 potions per week)
• 'Normal - low' coffee/ tea drinker (<3 cups per day)
• Regular exercise routine
• Signed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Haemoglobin (anaemia marker) < 125 g/l
• Gamma GT (liver enzymes) > 80 IU/l
• Cholesterol > 6.5 mmol/l
• Suffered a myocardial infarction or stroke in the last 12 months
• Suffers from any cardiovascular or metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes or any other endocrine or liver diseases)
• Suffers from any blood-clotting disorder, and/or takes supporting medication
• Any dietary restrictions or on a weight reducing diet
• On any lipid-modifying or blood pressure lowering medication
• Consuming any specific vitamin/ herbal supplements or fish oils