On Feb. 3 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced their approval for a qualified health claim regarding the relationship between high-flavanol cocoa powder and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
The qualified health claim covers products that contain at least 200 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols per serving and at least 4 percent of naturally conserved cocoa flavanols.
The approved health claim is based on a 2018 filing stating that 200 mg of cocoa flavanols can support heart health. The FDA approved the claim but noted that scientific evidence is still very limited.
The 200 mg level in the FDA approved claim is low compared to cocoa flavanol levels administered in successful clinical trials of brain, heart, and metabolic health which seem to range between 500 mg and 1000 mg….