Blood pressure and endothelial function in healthy, pregnant women after acute and daily consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate: a pilot, randomized controlled trial

Jaime Andres Mogollon, Emmanuel Bujold, Simone Lemieux, Mélodie Bourdages, Claudine Blanchet, Laurent Bazinet, Charles Couillard, Martin Noël, Sylvie Dodin, Jaime Andres Mogollon, Emmanuel Bujold, Simone Lemieux, Mélodie Bourdages, Claudine Blanchet, Laurent Bazinet, Charles Couillard, Martin Noël, Sylvie Dodin

Abstract

Background: Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) indicate that flavanol-rich chocolate has beneficial effects on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood pressure (BP). However, no RCTs have evaluated these outcomes in pregnant women. The objective of this 2-group, parallel, double-blind RCT was to examine the effects of flavanol-rich chocolate on FMD and BP in pregnant women with normal BP.

Methods: Forty-four healthy, pregnant women were randomized to the high-flavanol (n = 23) or low-flavanol (n = 21) chocolate consumption for 12 weeks. At randomization (0, 60, 120 and 180 min after a single 40-g dose of chocolate), 6 and 12 weeks after daily 20-g chocolate intake, we evaluated plasma concentrations of flavanols and theobromine, as well as the FMD and BP.

Results: Plasma epicatechin was significantly increased (p < 0.001) 180 min after the consumption of 40-g high-flavanol chocolate compared to low-flavanol chocolate. Theobromine concentrations were significantly higher 180 min and 12 weeks after the intake of experimental chocolate or low-flavanol chocolate (p < 0.001). FMD was not different between the 2 groups at all pre-defined time periods. No other significant within-group or between-group changes were observed.

Conclusion: These results confirm the feasibility of a large-scale RCT comparing daily consumption of flavanol-rich chocolate to an equivalent placebo during pregnancy and demonstrate higher plasma epicatechin and theobromine concentration in the intervention group after acute ingestion

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01659060.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of study participants. *The participant withdrew voluntarily from the study without giving a reason, but accepted to return.

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