Achalasia
Conditions
Keywords
achalasia, lower esophageal sphincter, nitric oxide, dark chocolate, flavanols
Brief summary
Flavanols, present in dark chocolate, were shown to induce Nitric Oxide synthesis. Since Nitric Oxide facilitates smooth muscle relaxation, it might ease the relaxation of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)as well. The objective of the present study is to evaluate tha efficacy of dark chocolate in improving LES relaxation in achalasia patients.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTdark chocolate
21 g/d of dark chocolate for 2 weeks (7 g. before each meal). 7 grams of dark chocolate at day 1 during manometry.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTplacebo chocolate with crossover to dark chocolate
Placebo at day 1 during manometry, and than crossover to dark chocolate for 2 weeks treatment.
Sponsors
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* clinical diagnosis of achalasia * Achalasia diagnosis during manometry at day 1 of the study.
Exclusion criteria
* pregnancy * pseudoachalasia * consumption of GI-motility modifiers durin 72 hours preceding the study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Lower Esophageal Sphincter relaxation before and after dark chocolate consumption. | day 1 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| achalasia symptoms before and during dark-chocolate consumption | 2 weeks |
Outcome results
None listed