Chocolate flavanols and skin photoprotection: a parallel, double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundSolar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has deleterious effects on the skin, including sunburn, photoaging and cancer. Chocolate flavanols are naturally-occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules that could play a role in preventing cutaneous UV damage. We investigated the influence of 12-week high-flavanol chocolate (HFC) consumption on skin sensitivity to UV radiation, measured by minimal erythema dose (MED). We also evaluated skin elasticity and hydration.MethodsIn this 2-group, parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 74 women aged 20–65 years and Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I or II were recruited from the general community in Quebec City, for randomization to either HFC (n = 33) or low-flavanol chocolate (LFC) (n = 41). A blocked randomisation (4), considering date of entry, skin type and age as factors, generated a sequentially-numbered allocation list. Study participants and research assistants were blinded. Totally, 30 g of chocolate were consumed daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 3-week washout period. MED was assessed at baseline and at 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks. Main outcome was changes in MED at week 12.Results33 participants in the HFC group and 41 in the LFC group were analyzed with 15 weeks of follow-up. Both groups showed similarly-increased MED at 12 weeks (HFC: 0.0252 ± 0.1099 J/cm2 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)]; LFC: 0.0151 ± 0.1118; mean difference (MD): 0.0100 J/cm2; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.0417 to 0.0618). However, after 3-week washout, the HFC group presented decreased MED (-0.0248 ± 0.1145) whereas no effect was seen in the LFC group (0.0168 ± 0.1698) (MD: -0.0417; 95% CI: -0.1106 to 0.0272). Net temple elasticity increased slightly but significantly by 0.09 ± 0.12 mm in the HFC group at 12 weeks compared to 0.02 ± 0.12 mm in the LFC group (MD: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.12 ). No significant adverse events were reported.ConclusionOur study failed to demonstrate a statistically-significant protective effect of HFC vs. LFC consumption on skin sensitivity to UV radiation as measured by MED.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01444625

Flavonoids as photoprotective agents: A systematic review

“…LF group showed a small increase, but statistically significant, compared epicatechin dosage in plasma at weeks 6, 9 and 12 compared to baseline. The HF Group was marked by more considerable increases of epicatechin in plasma (Mogollon et al, 2014).…”

Nutraceuticals and skin appearance: Is there any evidence to support this growing trend?

“…The high flavanol chocolate was found to significantly increase net elasticity (Ur/Ue ratio) compared to the low flavanol chocolate, although not all measures of elasticity significantly differed between groups (Mogollon et al . ).…”

“…et al (2001),Rhodes et al (2003),Heinrich et al (2006),Kasai et al (2006),Peguet-Navarro et al (2008),Williams et al (2009), Bouilly-Gauthier et al (2010,Heinrich et al (2011),Rhodes et al (2013),Pilkington et al (2014),Mogollon et al (2014), Farrar et al (2015,Yoon et al (2016),Zmitek et al (2017) Commonly used to look at efficacy of: green tea extract, pomegranate extract, carotenoids, fish oil, cocoa flavanols, probiotics, co-enzyme Q10ElasticityThe resistance of skin to suction (viscoelasticity) and the ability of skin to return to its original position (biological elasticity) can be measured using a cutometer Measurements taken include skin extensibility (Ue), delayed distention (Uv), final deformation (Uf) and immediate retraction (Ur). Ratios are also reported.…”

Oral Naturally Derived Agents as an Adjuvant Photoprotection after Dermatologic Surgery

“…In three randomized controlled studies, daily intake of high flavanol cocoa (HFC, more than 329 mg) and low flavanol cocoa (LFC, less than 30 mg) for 3 months were compared. All studies revealed an increase in MED or a decrease in UIE intensity following HFC ingestion [16][17][18]. Only one research reported increasing MED in LFC administration [16].…”

“…All studies revealed an increase in MED or a decrease in UIE intensity following HFC ingestion [16][17][18]. Only one research reported increasing MED in LFC administration [16]. Moreover, skin elasticity and hydration were improved after HFC administration [16,18].…”