Flavanol-rich cocoa ameliorates lipemia-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutrition Science
• Endothelial Function

Background:

• Chronic endothelial dysfunction is improved by flavanol consumption.
• Acute endothelial dysfunction can be induced by lipemia (high-fat meals).
• The impact of flavanols on acute lipemia-induced endothelial dysfunction requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if cocoa flavanols can improve acute lipemia-induced endothelial dysfunction.
• To assess the effect of flavanol-rich versus flavanol-poor cocoa on endothelial function after a fatty meal.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial involving 18 healthy subjects.
• Administration of a fatty meal with either flavanol-rich (918 mg) or flavanol-poor cocoa.
• Measurement of flow-mediated dilation (FMD), triglycerides, and free fatty acids over 6 hours.

Main Results:

• A decline in FMD was observed for 4 hours after the flavanol-poor cocoa meal.
• Flavanol-rich cocoa consumption mitigated this FMD deterioration at 2, 3, and 4 hours post-meal.
• Flavanols did not significantly affect triglyceride or free fatty acid levels.

Conclusions:

• Flavanol-rich cocoa can alleviate acute endothelial dysfunction induced by lipemia.
• The beneficial effect is likely mediated by improved endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity.
• Dietary flavanols represent a potential dietary strategy for managing postprandial endothelial impairment.