Comparison of Pure Epicatechin and Cocoa on Markers of Vascular Function

Intervention studies support a protective effect of flavonoid-rich foods such as chocolate and tea on cardiovascular disease risk. In a previous study we found that pure epicatechin improves markers of vascular function and insulin resistance although the results were less pronounced than the majority of chocolate intervention studies. The food matrix of chocolate or other compounds present in chocolate could play a role in the bioavailability of flavonoids, resulting in these heightened improvements in vascular function. In this study we aim to compare the acute effects of pure epicatechin and high-flavonoid chocolate on markers of vascular function.