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01-12-2013 | Original Article

Dark chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction after successive breath-hold dives in cool water

Authors: Sigrid Theunissen, Julie Schumacker, François Guerrero, Frauke Tillmans, Antoine Boutros, Kate Lambrechts, Aleksandra Mazur, Massimo Pieri, Peter Germonpré, Costantino Balestra

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to observe the effects of dark chocolate on endothelial function after a series of successive apnea dives in non-thermoneutral water.

Methods

Twenty breath-hold divers were divided into two groups: a control group (8 males and 2 females) and a chocolate group (9 males and 1 female). The control group was asked to perform a series of dives to 20 m adding up to 20 min in the quiet diving pool of Conflans-Ste-Honorine (Paris, France), water temperature was 27 °C. The chocolate group performed the dives 1 h after ingestion of 30 g of dark chocolate. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), digital photoplethysmography, nitric oxide (NO), and peroxynitrite ONOO⁻) levels were measured before and after each series of breath-hold dives.

Results

A significant decrease in FMD was observed in the control group after the dives (95.28 ± 2.9 % of pre-dive values, p < 0.001) while it was increased in the chocolate group (104.1 ± 2.9 % of pre-dive values, p < 0.01). A decrease in the NO level was observed in the control group (86.76 ± 15.57 %, p < 0.05) whereas no difference was shown in the chocolate group (98.44 ± 31.86 %, p > 0.05). No differences in digital photoplethysmography and peroxynitrites were observed between before and after the dives.

Conclusion

Antioxidants contained in dark chocolate scavenge free radicals produced during breath-hold diving. Ingestion of 30 g of dark chocolate 1 h before the dive can thus prevent endothelial dysfunction which can be observed after a series of breath-hold dives.

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Title: Dark chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction after successive breath-hold dives in cool water
Authors: Sigrid Theunissen
Julie Schumacker
François Guerrero
Frauke Tillmans
Antoine Boutros
Kate Lambrechts
Aleksandra Mazur
Massimo Pieri
Peter Germonpré
Costantino Balestra
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2732-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Dark chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction after successive breath-hold dives in cool water

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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