Cocoa Extract Supplement Reduces Key Marker of Inflammation and Aging

Strategic Insights -

A new study from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) has found that cocoa extract supplements rich in cocoa flavanols can reduce inflammation and potentially prevent age-related chronic diseases. The study, conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham and their colleagues, involved 598 participants who received daily cocoa supplements over several years. The results, published in Age and Ageing, showed a significant decrease in hsCRP, an inflammatory marker that can signal increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that cocoa extract supplements reduced hsCRP by 8.4% each year compared to placebo, suggesting its anti-inflammatory potential may help explain its heart-protective effects.
  • The decrease in hsCRP may help explain the cardio-protective effects seen with cocoa extract supplement in the larger COSMOS trial, where participants experienced a reduction in cardiovascular disease death.
  • The study also observed an increase in interferon-g, an immune-related cytokine, which opens new questions for future research.
  • Researchers said that changes in the other inflammaging markers, including a small reduction in IL-6 observed in female but not male participants, warrant additional study.
  • The team will continue to evaluate the COSMOS trial to determine whether the cocoa - and multivitamin - regimens can curb more severe inflammaging, as well as other important aging-related health outcomes.
  • The study suggests that cocoa extract supplements rich in flavanols may have a potential role in modulating inflammation as we age.

Statistics:

  • 598 participants were included in the study to measure several inflammaging biomarkers.
  • The study found a 27% decrease in cardiovascular disease mortality among participants who received cocoa extract supplements over 6 years.
  • hsCRP levels decreased by 8.4% each year compared to placebo.
  • The study included 21,442 participants over 60 years old in the larger COSMOS trial.

Sources:

  • "Cocoa extract reduces inflammation and aging" (Mass General Brigham News Release, Sept. 17, 2023) https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/cocoa-extract-reduces-inflammation-aging