In March 2020 researchers from Finland published the results of their study to assess the effect of dark chocolate flavanols on cognition, blood lipid levels, and glucose metabolism in older individuals. A total of 100 cognitively healthy individuals (63% women, aged 65 to 74 years) were involved in the study. The individuals were divided into two groups, with one group receiving 50 g dark chocolate (containing 410 mg of flavanols per day), and the second group 50 g dark chocolate (containing 86 mg of flavanols per day) for a period of eight weeks. Cognition was assessed at the start and end of the study and changes in blood lipids and glucose measured. Results showed that there were no differences in changes in cognition between groups. In addition no difference was apparent in the changes in blood lipids, glucose levels, or body weight between the two groups.
Suominen MH et al. The short-term effect of dark chocolate flavanols on cognition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial (FlaSeCo). Exp Gerontol. 2020 Mar 27:110933. [Epub ahead of print]