The cocoa flavanols found in CocoActiv™ have been shown to beneficially support endothelial function, which affects blood flow, in multiple clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals.² ³ ⁴ ⁵
The endothelium is a large organ that plays a key role in keeping the blood moving smoothly through the body. It is made up of over a trillion endothelial cells, which release substances that aid in blood flow.⁶ Endothelial function is measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Recent meta-analyses have found that a 1% improvement in FMD reduces the risk of CVD by 8-12%.⁷ ⁸
In a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study in 2014 by Grassi et al, cocoa flavanols were shown for the first time to dose-dependently improve FMD in healthy participants.¹ This ground-breaking study led EFSA to conclude that a cause-and-effect relationship had been established between the consumption of cocoa flavanols and maintenance of normal dilation of blood vessels.⁹
Cocoa flavanols have been shown in clinical trials¹ ² ³ ⁵ ¹⁰ ¹¹ to have benefits for a range of vascular health markers, including:
Clinical studies in peer-reviewed journals have found a range of additional benefits from cocoa flavanol consumption that are likely linked to healthy blood flow too:
Based on a large library of clinical evidence, including the 2014 study by Grassi et al, cocoa flavanols received a positive opinion from EFSA, which resulted in the following EC health claim (Regulation Number: 851/20135): “Cocoa flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, which contributes to normal blood flow.” It is noteworthy to mention that this is one of the few positive opinions granted by EFSA to botanical extracts.
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