As flavanols have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-DNA damaging effects and may increase microcirculation in skin, the purpose of the study is to investigate the chronic effect of flavanol-rich chocolate as an effective strategy to protect against the harmful effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Recent data suggested that chronic ingestion of high flavanols cocoa might be a promising agent for dietary photo protection against UV light. Moreover, flavanols-rich cocoa intake has been shown to increase microcirculation in human skin.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
78
High-flavanol chocolate, 12 weeks.
Flavanol-free chocolate, 12 weeks
Laval university, Department of Medicine, Institut des nutraceutiques et des aliments fonctionnels.
Québec, Quebec, Canada
Change in Minimal erythema dose
Time frame: within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption
Change in Skin elasticity
Time frame: within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption
Change in Skin moisture
Time frame: within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption
Change in levels of Vitamin D and polyphenols
Time frame: within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption
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