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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06812689

The Acute Effects of Cocoa Flavanols Intake on Overt and Covert Attention

The present study aimed to examine whether a cocoa beverage containing 710 mg of flavanols enhances both overt and covert attention in healthy young adults, using a randomized, double-blind, baseline- and placebo-controlled crossover design.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Young Adults

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Konya Necmettin Erbakan University Cognitive Psychology Laboratuary

Konya, 42090, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Cocoa flavanols (CF) have various physiological effects that may directly or indirectly enhance cognitive functions. Following CF intake, a series of biochemical processes within vascular smooth muscle cells lead to the relaxation of smooth muscles, the dilation of blood vessels, and an increase in cerebral blood flow. For the brain to function optimally, cerebral blood flow must be maintained at a level that ensures a constant supply of oxygen and glucose to neurons. During periods of intense neuronal activity, neurons require more oxygen and nutrients, which is met by an increase in blood flow. Given that CF has been shown to enhance blood flow and perfusion in brain regions associated with attention (e.g., the parietal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), it was hypothesized that CF intake could acutely improve both overt and covert attention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity

Exclusion criteria

  • History of neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular or metabolic disorders
  • Following a medically restricted diet
  • Taking antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic drugs in the past three months
  • Currently taking anticoagulant
  • Taking herbal supplements in the past week
  • Allergic or intolerant to cocoa, caffeine, sucrose, or fructose
  • Color blindness

Treatment and study plan

Flavanol

Dietary Supplement

Natural cocoa powder containing 710 mg of flavanols was dissolved in 250 mL of hot water and sweetened with 6 g of sugar.

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

Alkalized cocoa powder containing no flavanols was dissolved in 250 mL of hot water and sweetened with 6 g of sugar.

Sugar Water

Other

250 mL of hot water with 6 g of sugar

Primary outcomes

  1. Spatial cueing task - accuracy

    Time frame: 1 hour 40 minutes post-ingestion

    Difference in the total accuracy (%)

  2. Spatial cueing task - reaction time

    Time frame: 1 hour 40 minutes post-ingestion

    Difference in the reaction time (ms) for correct responses

  3. Visual search task - accuracy

    Time frame: 1 hour 40 minutes post-ingestion

    Difference in the total accuracy (%)

  4. Visual search task - reaction time

    Time frame: 1 hour 40 minutes post-ingestion

    Difference in the reaction time (ms) for correct responses

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Konya Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Official study title

The Acute Effects of Cocoa Flavanols Intake on Overt and Covert Attention: a Randomized, Double-blind Crossover Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Feb 6, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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