December 08, 2025

Cocoa Extract Supplement Reduces Key Marker of Inflammation and Aging, Study Finds

7 minutes

A new clinical analysis based on the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that older adults taking a daily cocoa extract supplement saw an 8.4% annual drop in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key marker of chronic inflammation
The supplement provided 500 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily, including 80 milligrams of (-)-epicatechin, which is the same bioactive compound found naturally in cacao
Researchers said this anti-inflammatory effect may help explain a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality previously observed in the larger COSMOS trial
Taking a cocoa flavanol supplement appears to support vascular and immune health by calming NF-κB signaling and improving endothelial function
Unlike dark chocolate, standardized cocoa extract supplements are free of sugar and fat, delivering clinically studied doses in capsule form

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

December 08, 2025

7 minutes

A new clinical analysis based on the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) found that older adults taking a daily cocoa extract supplement saw an 8.4% annual drop in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a key marker of chronic inflammation
The supplement provided 500 milligrams of cocoa flavanols daily, including 80 milligrams of (-)-epicatechin, which is the same bioactive compound found naturally in cacao
Researchers said this anti-inflammatory effect may help explain a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality previously observed in the larger COSMOS trial
Taking a cocoa flavanol supplement appears to support vascular and immune health by calming NF-κB signaling and improving endothelial function
Unlike dark chocolate, standardized cocoa extract supplements are free of sugar and fat, delivering clinically studied doses in capsule form

...more