Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Markers: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Nutrients. 2024 Jun 18;16(12):1919. doi: 10.3390/nu16121919.

Abstract

Background: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of dietary intake of cocoa on anthropometric measurements, lipid and glycemic profiles, and blood pressure levels in adults, with and without comorbidities.

Methods: The databases used were MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, and SciELO. The eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving adults undergoing cocoa consumption (cocoa extract or ≥70% cocoa dark chocolate) for ≥4 weeks that evaluated at least one of the following markers: body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, HDL-c, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP).

Results: Thirty-one studies were included, totaling 1986 participants. Cocoa consumption showed no effects on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-c and HbA1c. Yet, there was a reduction in total cholesterol (-8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI -14.01; -2.69 mg/dL), LDL-c (-9.47 mg/dL, 95% CI -13.75; -5.20 mg/dL), fasting blood glucose (-4.91 mg/dL, 95% CI -8.29; -1.52 mg/dL), SBP (-2.52 mmHg, 95% CI -4.17; -0.88 mmHg), and DBP (-1.58 mmHg, 95% CI -2.54; -0.62 mmHg).

Conclusions: The consumption of cocoa showed protective effects on major cardiometabolic risk markers that have a clinical impact in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction.

Keywords: blood pressure; cocoa; dyslipidemia; fasting glucose; obesity; polyphenols.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Glucose* / metabolism
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Cacao*
  • Cardiometabolic Risk Factors*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Chocolate
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Biomarkers
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Triglycerides
  • Lipids

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.