The Claim

A 494 mg dose of cocoa flavanols produces a measurable increase in regional cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults, while a 23 mg dose does not, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect within the tested range.

Source: The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo controlled, crossover, acute trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
48score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Eating a lot of cocoa flavanols (almost half a gram) might boost blood flow to certain parts of the brain in older adults, but eating just a tiny bit (23 mg) doesn’t do anything — so more seems to make a difference.

See the scientific wording

A 494 mg dose of cocoa flavanols produces a measurable increase in regional cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults, while a 23 mg dose does not, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect within the tested range.

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on cerebral perfusion in healthy older adults during conscious resting state: a placebo controlled, crossover, acute trial

    Scientists gave older adults two different kinds of cocoa drinks—one with a lot of healthy plant compounds (494 mg) and one with very little (23 mg). Only the strong drink made more blood flow to parts of the brain, showing that more of these compounds = better brain blood flow.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

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