Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanol (mixture)
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Flavanols, a subclass of flavonoids found in foods like cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, have been the subject of scientific research regarding cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that flavanols may have beneficial effects on endothelial function, blood pressure, and vascular health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For congestive heart failure (CHF) specifically, the evidence is limited but emerging. Small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have indicated that regular consumption of flavanol-rich foods or supplements can improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure—factors that are relevant to CHF management. A few pilot studies have shown improved vascular reactivity and reduced oxidative stress in heart failure patients consuming cocoa flavanols, but these studies are typically small, short in duration, and sometimes lack rigorous controls.

However, there is no large-scale, definitive clinical trial showing that flavanol mixtures directly improve major outcomes for patients with congestive heart failure, such as mortality or hospitalization rates. The existing evidence mostly supports a potential auxiliary benefit on vascular function rather than a direct treatment effect on heart failure itself. Therefore, while the use of flavanols for CHF is based on early scientific data, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is modest (rated 2 out of 5), and flavanols are not considered a primary or standalone treatment for congestive heart failure.

More about Flavanol (mixture)
More about Congestive Heart Failure

Products containing Flavanol (mixture)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.