Effects of dark chocolate on kidney function
Study of the Renal Physiological Response After Chocolate Consumption
This study is testing whether eating dark chocolate can improve kidney function and blood pressure in both healthy people and those with chronic kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05755217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of dark chocolate consumption on renal perfusion and blood pressure in both healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease. Participants will consume a single dose of dark chocolate, and their renal resistive index will be measured using Doppler ultrasound before and two hours after consumption. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate will also be conducted during the examination. The goal is to understand the physiological effects of dark chocolate on kidney function, which have not been thoroughly explored in previous research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy adults and patients aged 18 and older with chronic kidney disease stages 1-3.
Not a fit: Patients with severe kidney impairment (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2) or those with certain health conditions like diabetes or lactose intolerance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations for improving kidney health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate, but this specific investigation into renal effects is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for healthy volunteers: * Age ≥ 18 years old * ability to understand the study protocol and to sign an informed consent. Inclusion criteria for CKD patients: * Age ≥18 years old, * CKD stage 1-3, * ability to understand the study protocol and to sign an informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Lactose or cocoa intolerance, * Diabetes, * any severe digestive issue and liver disease, * history of kidney stones, * inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, dementia, etc. * pregnant women * healthy volunteers taking antihypertensive medication * healthy volunteers having a known kidney malformation or abnormality * healthy volunteers with albuminuria and/or hematuria in the urine sample. * CKD patients with an eGFR\<30ml/min/1.73m2 * CKD patients with measured kalemia of \> 5.5mmol/l in the last three months.
Where this trial is running
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud and 1 other locations
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Menno Pruijm, PD MD — Chuv
- Study coordinator: Menno Pruijm, PD MD
- Email: menno.pruijm@chuv.ch
- Phone: +41795565946
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.