High Flavonoid Cocoa Supplement Ameliorates Plasma Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Levels While Improving Mobility and Quality of Life in Older Subjects: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background The age-related decline in mass, strength, and performance of skeletal muscle is associated with loss of independence, falls risk, disability, institutionalization, and death. Methods To determine whether a cocoa supplement enriched in flavonoids can improve plasma markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, physical performance and frailty in middle-aged and older subjects, we conducted a two-phase, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. The initial study included 60 subjects (55- to 70-year-old) allocated into placebo (P), highly alkalinized (no-flavonoid; NF), or flavonoid-rich natural cocoa (F) beverage groups. The follow-up study included 74 older subjects (65- to 90-year-old) randomly distributed into NF or F groups. Subjects were instructed to consume the beverages once/day for up to 12-weeks. A comprehensive (aging relevant) set of end points were assessed, which included mean change in blood plasma metabolic and oxidative stress indicators, in physical performance tests and quality of life (QoL). Results In the initial study, the F group showed improved glycemia, triglyceridemia, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceridemia/HDL index, and oxidative markers. Performance on the Up and Go test, skeletal muscle index, and quality of life also improved. In the follow-up study, F treatment was associated with significant improvements in metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory endpoints and positive effects on physical performance, frailty indicators, and quality of life (F vs. NF group). Conclusions Regular flavonoids consumption positively affects blood oxidative stress and inflammation end points, cardiometabolic risk markers, physical performance, and quality of life. The sum of such effects may help to mitigate the extent of frailty development in the elderly people. Trial Registration NCT03585868

Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in COVID-19 disease

“…In some experiments, extracts rich in bioactive compounds have demonstrated capacity to activate immune cells (Tumova et al, 2017), although with other extracts, no improvement was found (Hunter et al, 2012). On the other hand, high flavonoid cocoa supplements have recently demonstrated their capacity to reduce oxidative stress in plasma and inflammation in older subjects (Munguia et al, 2019). Mediterranean diet, rich in plant foods, is associated with reduced risk of developing age-related chronic diseases by inducing protection against oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial activity that could be the cause of a reduced inflammation level (Tosti et al, 2018).…”

Restorative Effects of (-)-Epicatechin in a Rat Model of Gulf War Illness Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue

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