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Could cocoa extract supplements rich in cocoa flavanols reduce inflammation and, in turn, prevent age-related chronic diseases? In a new study from the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), investigators from Mass General Brigham and their colleagues looked at changes in five age-related markers of inflammation among participants who received daily cocoa supplements over several years. They found that hsCRP — an inflammatory marker that can signal increased risk of cardiovascular disease — decreased in participants taking the cocoa extract supplement, suggesting its anti-inflammatory potential may help explain its heart-protective effects. Their results are published in Age and Ageing.
The Promise of Cocoa Flavanols in Combating Inflammaging
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Nutritional interventions have become an increasingly attractive solution for slowing inflammatory aging, so called “inflammaging.” Cocoa extract has been shown in previous, smaller studies to reduce inflammatory biomarkers, thanks to flavanols — small, bioactive compounds found not only in the cocoa bean but also berries, grapes, tea, and other plant-based foods. To bridge the gap between these studies and humans, researchers launched the large-scale COSMOS trial, which examines the effects of cocoa extract on cardiovascular disease, and whether inflammaging may explain those effects.
“Our interest in cocoa extract and inflammaging started on the basis of cocoa-related reductions in cardiovascular disease,” saeid corresponding author Howard Sesso, ScD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public health and a researcher in the division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Understanding Inflammaging and hsCRP
inflammaging refers to the chronic, low-grade inflammation that accumulates with age. This persistent inflammation is a key driver of many age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers.hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a specific marker of inflammation produced by the liver. Elevated levels of hsCRP are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
The COSMOS Trial: A Large-Scale Investigation
The COSMOS trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving over 21,000 adults in the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily cocoa extract supplement containing 500mg of cocoa flavanols or a placebo. Researchers followed participants for several years, collecting data on various health outcomes and inflammatory markers.
Key Findings on hsCRP Levels
The study focused on five inflammatory markers, but the most significant finding was the reduction in hsCRP levels among those taking the cocoa extract supplement. Specifically, participants in the cocoa extract group experienced a statistically significant decrease in hsCRP compared to the placebo group. This suggests that cocoa flavanols have a direct impact on reducing systemic inflammation.
Why Cocoa Flavanols Work: A Deeper Dive
Cocoa flavanols exert their anti-inflammatory effects through several mechanisms. They act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that contribute to inflammation. They also modulate signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response, effectively dampening down the production of inflammatory molecules. Furthermore, flavanols can improve endothelial function – the health of the lining of blood vessels – which is often impaired in inflammatory conditions.
Implications and Future Research
These findings provide strong evidence that cocoa extract supplementation can reduce inflammation and perhaps mitigate the risk of age-related chronic diseases. While the COSMOS trial is ongoing and will continue to provide valuable insights, the current results are encouraging.
“We’re seeing that cocoa extract may be a promising dietary strategy for reducing chronic inflammation, which is a major driver of age-related diseases,” says Dr. Sesso.”Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of cocoa flavanols, but these initial findings are very exciting.”
key Takeaways
- Cocoa extract, rich in flavanols, shows promise in reducing inflammation.
- The COSMOS trial demonstrated a significant decrease in hsCRP levels among participants taking cocoa