Dark chocolate for childrens blood pressure: randomised trial
Archives of Diseases in Childhood,
Chan EK et al. – Results show that providing dark chocolate is feasible and acceptable in the school setting. For a definitive trial, the authors recommend a larger sample, endovascular function measures, and consideration of higher antioxidant ‘dose’ by virtue of duration and/or content.
Methods- 194 children (aged 10–12 years) were randomised by class to intervention (7 g dark chocolate daily for 7 weeks, n=124) or control (n=70) groups; 98% and 93% provided baseline and follow-up measurements, respectively.
- Intervention and control students had similar systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anthropometry and well-being at outcome.
