This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effects of daily cocoa flavanol supplementation on vascular and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adult men aged 30 to 75 years. Participants will be randomized to receive either a cocoa flavanol supplement or a nutrient-matched low-flavanol control product for 4 to 8 weeks. The study will assess changes in inflammatory biomarkers, endothelial function, oxidative stress markers, vascular measurements, and circulating endothelial progenitor cell-related markers. Optional assessments include flow-mediated dilation and single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to explore mechanistic biological responses to cocoa flavanol supplementation.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
briellescientific@gmail.com
Participants, investigators, care providers, and outcome assessors are blinded to treatment allocation. Study products are packaged in identical coded containers to maintain masking.
Participants will receive a daily cocoa flavanol powder supplement providing approximately 1,200 mg total cocoa flavanols per day for 4 to 8 weeks. The supplement will be administered orally once daily in a blinded fashion.
Participants will receive a nutrient-matched low-flavanol cocoa-based powder containing less than 2% total flavanols for 4 to 8 weeks. The control product is designed to match the active supplement in appearance and administration while minimizing biologically active flavanol exposure.
shlomi.brielle@gmail.com‪(617) 744-9534‬
shlomi.brielle@gmail.com
Effects of Acute Intake of Flavanols on Cerebral Oxygenation and Cognition in Young Male Adults
Flavanol-rich Cocoa on Digestive and Cerebrovascular Health in the Colombian Adults
Intake-dependent Effect of Cocoa Flavanol Absorption, Metabolism and Excretion in Humans
Interaction of Cocoa Methylxanthines With Cocoa Flavanol Related Vascular Effects
Effect of Long Term Cocoa Flavanol Intake on Blood Pressure and Platelet Function in Healthy Adults, Part 2