Journal of the American College of Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults.
Dark chocolate derived from the plant (Theobroma cacao) is a rich source of flavonoids. Cardioprotective effects including antioxidant properties, inhibition of platelet activity, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase have been ascribed to the cocoa flavonoids. ⋯ Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and is associated with an increase in plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults. No changes in oxidative stress measures, lipid profiles, blood pressure, body weight or BMI were seen.
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Currently most nutritional assessment techniques are based on their ability to predict clinical outcomes. However, the validity of any of these techniques to truly measure "nutritional risk" has not been proved. We have therefore prospectively assessed the prognostic value of two nutritional assessment techniques and nonnutritional factors in determining outcome after major abdominal surgery. ⋯ Malnutrition is a marker of bad outcomes. Both Subjective Global Assessment and Nutritional Risk Index nutrition tests are predictive for malnutrition and postoperative complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.