Effects of dark chocolate on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in men
Theobromine Consumption From Cocoa and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Humans: Evidence for Health Claims
NA · Chiang Mai University · NCT06820944
This study tests if eating dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and improve heart health in men with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Chiang Mai University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Mueang, Chiang Mai) |
| Trial ID | NCT06820944 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of dark chocolate consumption on blood pressure and trimethylamine N-oxide levels in Thai males with hypertension. Participants will consume either dark chocolate or white chocolate daily for 14 days, followed by a wash-out period before switching to the other type. The study aims to determine if theobromine, a compound found in dark chocolate, contributes to any observed changes in cardiovascular risk factors. The trial is conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a focus on male participants aged 35-70 years.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Thai males aged 35-70 years with hypertension and a BMI less than 30 kg/m².
Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, those taking medications for hypertension or cholesterol, or individuals who consume caffeine or alcohol excessively may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence that dark chocolate consumption may help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health in hypertensive patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested potential cardiovascular benefits of cocoa, but this specific approach focusing on theobromine in a crossover design is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Male * Age between 35 to 70 years * BMI less than 30 kg/m\^2 * Systolic blood pressure between 130 to 159 mmHg or Diastolic blood pressure between 85 to 99 mmHg. * Do not smoke. Exclusion criteria * Cannot drink beverages and consume foods that have caffeine. * Take medicine to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, treat high blood pressure, or diabetes. * Have liver and kidney inflammation. * Use antibiotics within 1 month of study. * Use choline or probiotic supplements regularly within 1 month of study. * Consume more than 30 alcoholic drinks per week. * Have chronic diseases.
Where this trial is running
Mueang, Chiang Mai
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University — Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kongsak Boonyapranai, Doctoral degree — Research Institute for Health Science, Chiang Mai University
- Study coordinator: Kongsak - Boonyapranai, Doctoral degree
- Email: Kongsak.b@cmu.ac.th
- Phone: +66-92-271-721
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Hypertension, cocoa consumption, theobromine, trimethylamine-n-oxide, crossover, randomized trial, chocolate consumption