Food

Cocoa (epicatechin)

Dietary factor.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Peripheral artery disease (walking capacity)

improves Low study (A)

Pilot trial (COCOA-PAD): in older people with peripheral artery disease, a cocoa drink (15 g, 75 mg of epicatechin/day, 6 months) tended to improve walking capacity compared with placebo, possibly through better blood supply and mitochondrial function of the muscle. Small pilot, to be confirmed.

View the study (study) →

In depth

Diet · Highest evidence: Low · 1 finding

Findings

Peripheral artery disease (walking ability) — improves (Low, study). Pilot trial (COCOA-PAD): in older people with peripheral artery disease, a cocoa beverage (15 g, 75 mg of epicatechin/day, 6 months) tended to improve walking ability versus placebo, possibly through better blood flow and mitochondrial function in the muscle. Small pilot, to be confirmed. 32078436

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.