Hypertension

HTN: Cocoa and Chocolate (2007)

• Intervention
  What is the relationship between cocoa or chocolate intake and blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive adults?

  • Conclusion

    The effect of the consumption of cocoa or chocolate on blood pressure is unclear, as the results of six studies are conflicting.
     

  • Grade: III
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: What evidence suggests a relationship between cocoa or chocolate intake and blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive adults?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Engler MB, Engler MM, Chen CY, Malloy MJ, Browne A, Chiu EY, Kwak HK, Milbury P, Paul SM, Blumberg J, Mietus-Snyder ML. Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004; 23 (3): 197-204.
      • Fisher NDL, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NK. Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide dependent vasodilation in healthy humans. J Hypertens. 2003; 21 (12): 2,281-2,286.
      • Grassi D, Lippi C, Necozione S, Desideri G, Ferri C. Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005; 81 (3): 611-614.  
      • Grassi D, Necozione S, Lippi C, Croce G, Valeri L, Pasqualetti P, Desideri G, Blumberg JB, Ferri C. Cocoa reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensives. Hypertension, 2005; 46 (2): 398-405.
      • Vlachopoulos C, Aznaouridis K, Alexopoulos N, Economou E, Andreadou I, Stefanidis C. Effect of dark chocolate on arterial function in healthy individuals. Am J Hypertens. 2005; 18 (6): 785-791.
  • Search Plan and Results: Chocolate / Cocoa 2006