Solar Skin Damage
Conditions
Keywords
UV radiation, photoprotection, flavanols rich chocolate
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
High-flavanol chocolate, 12 weeks.
OTHERFlavanol-free chocolate
Flavanol-free chocolate, 12 weeks
Sponsors
Laval University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
20 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in Minimal erythema dose | within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in Skin elasticity | within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption |
| Change in Skin moisture | within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption |
| Change in levels of Vitamin D and polyphenols | within the first 12 weeks of chocolate intake and 3 weeks later after end of chocolate consumption |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed