Trial of Cocoa-based Food in Children
Trial of Cocoa-based Food in Children
Today, there is an important lack of knowledge on child metabolism and the effects of
 phytochemical-rich foods, which includes fruits and vegetables and plant-derived foods. Here,
 the investigators will monitor the metabolism of children using minimally invasive techniques
 at rest, and with physical/mental activities and assess the changes associated with the
 intake of cocoa-based food.
Inclusion Criteria:

 All subjects must comply with all the following inclusion criteria:

 -  Healthy and physically active, and no diabetes or metabolism related disorders in
 their first degree relatives (as determined by medical and activity questionnaire)

 -  Caucasian, with English as a first language and an adequate standard of literacy.

 -  BMI adjusted for age and gender which falls between the 9th and 91st as shown in the
 Child Growth Foundation BMI growth charts

 -  8-13 years of age

 -  Having obtained his/her informed assent

 -  Having obtained his/her legal representative's informed consent

 -  Willing to allow their family doctor (GP) to be informed about their participation in
 this study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 Subjects representing one or more of the following criteria are excluded from participation
 in the study.

 -  Post-pubertal

 -  Taking any medication

 -  Smoker

 -  Undergoing medical treatment or investigations

 -  Body mass index > 24

 -  Suffer from chronic diseases (with regular intake of drugs, medical history)

 -  Vegetarians

 -  Vaccination in the last 4 months

 -  Any know food allergies or intolerance

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Special diet or weight loss program (e.g. Atkins diet)

 -  Acute illness

 -  Fever, cold, flu

 -  Participation in a cholesterol management program with functional foods like food
 supplement enriched in omega-3 fatty acids, dairy products enriched with phytosterols
 (margarines, yoghurts).