Does dark chocolate increase VO2max? Original paper

In this meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials in a total of 144 participants, eating dark chocolate did not affect VO2max.

This Study Summary was published on April 23, 2025.

The study

The participants (ages 18–70) exercised regularly in 2 studies, did not exercise regularly in 2 studies, and were cross-country runners in 1 study. The participants ate 5 to 80 grams of dark chocolate (70% to 75% cacao) daily for 2 to 12 weeks.

One study had a low risk of bias, and the other 4 studies had some concerns.

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The results

plifex dizex plifex yoxi qub differences oy dizex plifex plifex qub quixolan yoxi yoxi oy glerxan VO2max) dizex qub confidence oy qub quixolan qub quixolan plifex yoxi chocolate yoxi qub yoxi oy glerxan VO2max.

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    This Study Summary was published on April 23, 2025.