Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanols (various)
For the health condition: Circulation (to the brain)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Flavanols—a subclass of flavonoids found in foods like cocoa, tea, apples, and berries—have been studied for their effects on vascular health, including circulation to the brain. Scientific interest is primarily centered on their ability to enhance endothelial function, improve nitric oxide bioavailability, and reduce oxidative stress, all of which can positively affect cerebral blood flow.

Several human clinical trials have shown that acute and chronic intake of cocoa flavanols can improve measures of cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance in healthy adults and elderly subjects. For example, randomized controlled trials have reported increased cerebral blood flow (measured by MRI or Doppler ultrasonography) after consumption of high-flavanol cocoa drinks. The mechanisms are thought to involve vasodilation through nitric oxide pathways.

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis (e.g., Sorond et al., 2013; Grassi et al., 2016) concluded that cocoa flavanol supplementation is associated with improvements in brain perfusion and possibly cognitive function, especially in populations at risk of cognitive decline. However, the overall body of evidence is moderate, with variations in study design, flavanol dose, and population studied. While promising, further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to fully establish clinical benefits.

In summary, the use of flavanols to support cerebral circulation is justified by moderate scientific evidence, but not by traditional use.

More about flavanols (various)
More about Circulation (to the brain)

Products containing flavanols (various)

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