The impact of cocoa flavanols on peripheral vascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function in younger and older healthy adults

Pritchard, Rosie Mair (2020). The impact of cocoa flavanols on peripheral vascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function in younger and older healthy adults. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Cocoa flavanols, have proven effective at ameliorating human peripheral vascular function. However, the extent to which peripheral vasculature effects translate to the cerebrovasculature have been less explored. The present study aimed to assess the acute impact of a flavanol-rich cocoa on peripheral and cerebrovascular function in young and older adults and investigate whether such vascular outcomes may underpin improvements in cognitive performance.

An acute trial was conducted in young (21 ± 4 yrs, n=20) and older adults (71 ± 5 yrs, n=14) to assess the impact of a High-Flavanol Cocoa (150 mg of (-)- epicatechin; 1000 mg of total polyphenols) and a Low-Flavanol Cocoa (4 mg of (-)- epicatechin; 140 mg of total polyphenols) on: i) Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery; ii) CO\(_2\)-cerebrovascular reactivity of the middle and posterior cerebral arteries; iii) cognitive performance. All vascular outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 2 hours post-ingestion.

FMD increased in both cohorts with high-flavanol cocoa but decreased within the younger cohort with low-flavanol cocoa. Cerebrovascular reactivity decreased with high-flavanol cocoa for the younger cohort. No changes in cognition were seen.

Findings from this study indicate potential opposing effects of high-flavanol cocoa ingestion between peripheral and cerebral vascular function.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):