The science behind CocoActiv™

Clinically demonstrated to contribute to healthy blood flow

Supported by patents, CocoActiv™ is a cocoa bean extract standardised to at least 29% flavanols with clinically demonstrated benefits for blood vessel health in a daily, convenient 690 mg dose that delivers 200 mg of cocoa flavanols. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of high dietary intake of flavonoids – bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods. Cocoa is particularly rich in a specific class of flavonoids called flavanols, which have been shown to have positive effects on health and aging.⁴ Clinical research and epidemiological studies spanning the last two decades highlight the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption on health, including heart health.²

1+%
improvement in endothelial function based on multiple studies¹⁻² ⁵
1
health claim from the European Commission⁹

Supporting healthy blood flow, by supporting endothelial function

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

Cardiovascular health benefits

Cocoa flavanols have been shown in clinical trials¹ ² ³ ⁵ ¹⁰ ¹¹ to have benefits for a range of vascular health markers, including:

  • Significant decrease in blood pressure¹ ²
  • Dose-dependent, significant reduction in secretion of endothelin-1², a vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells¹⁰
  • Dose-dependent, significant improvements in arterial stiffness¹
  • Significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity in people with high blood pressure³
  • Increase in nitric oxide synthesis from endothelial cells, resulting in improved vasodilation and increased blood flow⁵ ¹¹
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Broader benefits for health and wellbeing

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:

  • Fitness – improved trial performance, reduced muscle damage, and enhancements in VO2 max and work achieved¹² ¹³ ¹⁴
  • Cognitive health – improvements in processing speed, memory, and executive function in adult and elderly populations ¹⁵ ¹⁶ ¹⁷
  • Skin health – enhanced dermal blood flow, decreased erythema (reddening), and improvements in skin roughness, elasticity, UV-B tolerance, density and hydration.¹⁸ ¹⁹ ²⁰
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Approved health claim

Europe

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.

References
Disclaimer
This web page is intended to provide business-to-business education and information. Its purpose is not intended to communicate to end consumers. Ingredient information is for educational purposes only; specific ingredients are not intended to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure any disease states. This information is not intended to be used in final consumer products and any use or reference of the intellectual property of Givaudan in the final product may only be made with Givaudan’s prior written permission. The information provided may or may not be applicable to, or satisfy, all regulatory requirements for all global regions. Specific regulatory requirements must be evaluated to ensure compliance within the individual countries and regions.
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