The effect of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate on serum lipids in healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective The present study aims to investigate the effects of consuming dark chocolate on the serum lipid profile of healthy adults. Methods The study was conducted over 4 weeks with a total of 37 subjects, including control (n=20) and intervention (n=17) groups. While the intervention group consumed 36g/day of dark chocolate (400 mg flavanol/day), the control group received no intervention. At the beginning and end of the study, some anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and biochemical parameters (low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, triglycerides, haemoglobin A1c and C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose) were measured and 3-day food and physical activity records were taken every 15 days during the study period. Results After four weeks, body weight and body mass index decreased in the intervention group (p<0.05). Low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol also decreased in the intervention group (-8.16mg/dl and-10mg/dl, respectively; p <0.05), and no change was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p>0.05). While an increase in fasting blood glucose was observed (p<0.05), there was no difference in hemoglobin A1c and C-reactive protein levels (p>0.05). Similarly, there was no change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in either group (p>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, the consumption of 36g/day (400mg/day flavanol) for 4 weeks in healthy individuals can reduce low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol without causing weight gain. Thus, cocoa consumption as a dietary intervention has a possible role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease as an age-related lifestyle disease. Long-term studies with larger samples are needed.