Resource type:
Peer review
The article reviews evidence from 18 studies on the effects of cocoa flavanol intake on microvascular function in healthy adults and individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Results show that acute intake improves peripheral vasodilation and cerebral blood flow, while chronic consumption has mixed effects. Mechanisms include enhanced nitric oxide availability and improved endothelial function. The study identifies methodological inconsistencies, such as variations in population groups, flavanol dosage, and outcome measures, as major limitations. Overall, the article supports the role of cocoa flavanols as a potential dietary component for vascular health, but emphasizes the need for more standardized, long-term trials.