Cocoa Extract Supplements Show Anti-Inflammatory Potential, Suggests New Study

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Age and Ageing has found that cocoa extract supplements rich in cocoa flavanols may reduce inflammation in older adults, which could help explain their heart-protective effects. The study, a part of the large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), analyzed blood samples from 598 participants and discovered a significant decrease in hsCRP, a key inflammatory marker, by 8.4% each year compared to placebo. This anti-inflammatory potential of cocoa extract supplements may have significant implications for cardiovascular health and the prevention of age-related chronic diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that cocoa extract supplements rich in cocoa flavanols reduced hsCRP, a key inflammatory marker, by 8.4% each year in participants over 60 years old.
  • The study, published in Age and Ageing, suggests that the anti-inflammatory potential of cocoa extract may help explain its heart-protective effects, which was also observed in the larger COSMOS trial where participants experienced a 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality between 2014 and 2020.
  • The study analyzed blood samples from 598 COSMOS participants and measured several inflammaging biomarkers, including hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-ð, which remained relatively consistent or increased modestly except for hsCRP.
  • The decrease in hsCRP levels may help explain the cardio-protective effects seen with cocoa extract supplementation in the larger COSMOS trial.
  • Researchers observed an increase in interferon-ðþ, an immune-related cytokine, which opens new questions for future research.
  • The study suggests that plant-based foods, including cocoa products rich in flavanols, may have an advantage for cardiovascular health and reinforces the importance of a diverse, colorful, plant-based diet, especially in the context of inflammation.

Statistics:

  • 598 COSMOS participants had their blood samples analyzed for several inflammaging biomarkers, including hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-ð.
  • HsCRP levels decreased by 8.4% each year in participants taking the cocoa extract supplement compared to placebo.
  • Between 2014 and 2020, the COSMOS trial with 21,442 participants found a 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality.
  • Interferon-ðþ increased by 2.1% each year in participants taking the cocoa extract supplement.

Sources:

  • Mass General Brigham
  • Age and Ageing (DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaf269)
  • National Institutes of Health (HL157665)
  • Mars Edge
  • Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon)