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Dark chocolate inhibits platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers
Andrew J Innes1, Gwen Kennedy, Margaret McLaren
1University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.
Insights
Dark chocolate, rich in flavonoids, may protect against cardiovascular disease by inhibiting platelet aggregation. This study found dark chocolate, unlike white or milk chocolate, significantly impacted platelet function in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality in the UK.
- Flavonoids in cocoa are suspected to offer cardio-protective benefits.
- Chocolate's high cocoa content may be key to these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different chocolate types on platelet function.
- To assess the potential cardio-protective role of cocoa flavonoids.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy volunteers participated in a randomized controlled trial.
- Participants consumed 100g of white, milk, or dark chocolate.
- Platelet function was assessed via blood samples before and after consumption.
Main Results:
- White and milk chocolate showed no significant effect on platelet function.
- Dark chocolate significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation.
- Platelet-rich plasma was used for aggregation assessments.
Conclusions:
- Dark chocolate consumption may have a beneficial effect on platelet activity.
- Future research could explore dark chocolate's role in preventing cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the UK. The flavonoids found in cocoa may produce a cardio-protective role for chocolate with a high cocoa content. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomised to receive 100 g of white, milk or dark chocolate, and assessments of platelet function were undertaken on venous blood samples before and after chocolate consumption. White and milk chocolate had no significant effect on platelets. However dark chocolate inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation in platelet rich plasma. In the future dark chocolate may have a role in prevention of cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases.