CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)

CocoaNol® is a cocoa (Theobroma cacao) extract standardized to about 20% polyphenols, processed to preserve the flavanols (including epicatechin) that are usually destroyed by roasting. Cocoa flavanols are studied for supporting healthy blood flow and blood pressure; evidence for cognition is mixed.

CocoaNol is researched primarily for Cardiovascular, Cognitive, and Antioxidant. In a Cochrane review, cocoa flavanols produced a small but significant reduction in blood pressure, and are studied for supporting healthy blood flow.

The clinically studied dose is Commonly providing a few hundred milligrams of cocoa flavanols per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

For most healthy adults, CocoaNol is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Contains some caffeine and theobromine; can affect sleep if taken late. It may also interact with some medications. CocoaNol is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Possible interactions include: Stimulant medications — possible additive effects; use caution. Blood pressure medication — possible mild additive effect. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for CocoaNol as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.