This study will investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of epicatechin-rich cocoa in humans on collagen synthesis and power-based performance outcomes (rate of force development).

The investigators have recently completed a study looking at the expression of the collagens following consumption of increasing doses of epicatechin in rats . This data clearly shows that increasing doses of epicatechin, either 0.5 mg.kg-1 delivered once, twice, or three times a day, or 2 mg.kg-1 once a day, results in increasing expression of the fibrillar collagens (I, III, and V). This preliminary data suggests that epicatechin-rich chocolate supplementation can increase collagen expression in humans and that this may improve force transfer. From this background, the hypothesis proposed is that supplementation with epicatechin-rich chocolate will increase rate of force development and performance in athletes. Therefore, this simple nutrition intervention has the potential to simultaneously improve performance, decrease injuries and accelerate return to competition through improved collagen synthesis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Collegiate level male athletes between the ages of 18¬-25 years of age, currently participating in sport, will be recruited to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of more than 3 musculoskeletal injuries within the past 12 months.
• Health and dietary restriction (e.g. lactose intolerance) that would be affected by the supplementation protocol.
• The initial phase will be performed in males since collagen synthesis varies significantly throughout the menstrual cycle in females. Since collagen synthesis is the main outcome measure for the study this would confound the initial phase of the work. Provided this work proves successful then the investigators will aim to proceed with similar research in females.

The individual participant data will not be made available to other researchers. Any data shared will be published in a blinded manner.

Alkalized (0.01 mg epicatechin/g) ) and non alkalized cocoa (4.1 mg epicatechin/g) will be mixed in various ratios to achieve the desired 0, 1, 2, 3 mg/ kg body mass but maintaining equally weighed dose of cocoa for each intervention.

For Arm 2, the same quantity of either alkalized or non alkalized cocoa will be given to achieve the optimized dosed of epicatechin.