The Impact of Cocoa Extract on Inflammatory Aging

Scientific interest is growing around the effects of dietary interventions on inflammatory aging, known as “inflammaging.” Previous small studies have shown that cocoa extract can reduce markers of inflammation due to flavanols, bioactive compounds found in cocoa beans, berries, grapes, tea, and other plant-based foods. To confirm these findings in humans, the large-scale COSMOS trial was launched to study the impact of cocoa extract on cardiovascular diseases and the potential explanation of these effects through inflammaging.

The Importance of Cocoa Extract in Cardiovascular Health

Interest in cocoa extract and its effect on inflammaging arose from its association with reduced cardiovascular diseases. Researchers noted a significant overlap between healthy aging and cardiovascular health, as aging-related inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis and heart diseases. Consequently, researchers aimed to determine if consuming cocoa extract over several years could reduce aging-related inflammation, finding data suggesting a positive effect.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital led the COSMOS trial between 2014 and 2020, a large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 21,442 participants over the age of 60. The trial found that cocoa extract consumption reduced deaths from cardiovascular diseases by 27%.

The Effect of Cocoa Extract on Inflammatory Markers

In the recent study, researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from 598 COSMOS participants to measure several markers of aging-related inflammation, including three pro-inflammatory proteins, one anti-inflammatory protein, and another involved in immune regulation. Results showed an 8.4% annual reduction in hsCRP levels compared to placebo, while other markers remained stable or increased slightly.

Researchers also observed an increase in interferon-γ, a cytokine related to immunity, paving the way for further research. Although cocoa extract is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, these encouraging results highlight its potential role in regulating inflammation as one ages.

The Potential Role of Plant-Based Foods in Reducing Inflammation

The reduction in hsCRP suggests protective effects on the heart, supporting COSMOS trial findings on reduced cardiovascular mortality. Researchers emphasized that changes in other inflammatory markers, including a slight decrease in IL-6 observed in females but not males, require further study. The team plans to continue evaluating the COSMOS trial to determine if cocoa extract and multivitamins can more significantly reduce inflammaging and affect other health outcomes related to aging.

Researchers expressed the need for more attention to the benefits of plant-based foods for heart health, including flavanol-rich cocoa products, underscoring the importance of a diverse and colorful plant-based diet, especially in the context of inflammation.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential role of cocoa extract in reducing aging-related inflammation, contributing to improved cardiovascular health in older adults. While cocoa extract is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, the encouraging results of this study call for increased focus on plant-based foods and their beneficial impact on health. Further research is needed to determine the precise mechanisms by which cocoa extract affects inflammation and how to enhance its use in preventing age-related diseases.