Influence of Age on the Absorption and Metabolism of Cocoa Flavanols
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Accumulating evidence suggests that regular consumption of foods and beverages rich in
flavanols, such as cocoa, tea, apples and wine, may have cardiovascular benefits. Several
well-controlled randomised human intervention studies have shown that cocoa flavanols have
beneficial effects on blood pressure, endothelial function and other biomarkers of
cardiovascular health. These vascular improvements have been correlated in time with changes
in plasma flavanol metabolites. The health benefits of flavanol consumption are therefore
likely dependent on changes in their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
(ADME). Recent studies have provided detailed information regarding the absorption and
metabolism of cocoa flavanols. However, there is a lack of information on whether there are
changes in flavanol absorption and metabolism with increasing age.