Flavanols and Skin Photo Protection: a Clinical Trial
Flavanols and Skin Photo Protection: a Clinical Trial
As flavanols have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-DNA damaging effects and may
 increase microcirculation in skin, the purpose of the study is to investigate the chronic
 effect of flavanol-rich chocolate as an effective strategy to protect against the harmful
 effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Recent data suggested that chronic ingestion of high flavanols cocoa might be a promising
 agent for dietary photo protection against UV light. Moreover, flavanols-rich cocoa intake
 has been shown to increase microcirculation in human skin.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Non-smoking women between the ages of 20 and 65 years.

 -  Normal skin of type I and II as decried by Fitzpatrick classification.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnancy and breast feeding.

 -  Photo sensibility: history of skin cancers, photosensitizing medication.

 -  Sun bed use or sunbathing in the previous 3 months.

 -  Use of supplements or natural health products (fish oils, coenzyme Q10, garlic,
 lycopene, beta carotene).

 -  Allergy or intolerance to nuts or chocolate.