Efficacy of Dark Chocolate in Achalasia Patients

Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center40 enrolled

Overview

Flavanols, present in dark chocolate, were shown to induce Nitric Oxide synthesis. Since Nitric Oxide facilitates smooth muscle relaxation, it might ease the relaxation of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)as well. The objective of the present study is to evaluate tha efficacy of dark chocolate in improving LES relaxation in achalasia patients.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Achalasia

Interventions

dark chocolateDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

21 g/d of dark chocolate for 2 weeks (7 g. before each meal). 7 grams of dark chocolate at day 1 during manometry.

placebo chocolate with crossover to dark chocolateDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Placebo at day 1 during manometry, and than crossover to dark chocolate for 2 weeks treatment.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * clinical diagnosis of "achalasia" * "Achalasia" diagnosis during manometry at day 1 of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * pseudoachalasia * consumption of GI-motility modifiers durin 72 hours preceding the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Lower Esophageal Sphincter relaxation before and after dark chocolate consumption.

Time frame: day 1

Secondary Outcomes

achalasia symptoms before and during dark-chocolate consumption

Time frame: 2 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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