Dark chocolate milk intake linked to improved sprint performance: Study

Scientists have found that dark chocolate milk (DC milk) may modestly enhance anaerobic sprint performance in healthy adults. Published in Nutrients, the study explored DC milk’s effects on metabolic processes and sprint power, as it contains flavonoids like catechins and epicatechin known to support cardiovascular health and reduce fatigue.
Dark chocolate milk helps with exercise by providing a natural mix of carbohydrates and proteins that fuel muscles and aid recovery. Its flavonoids, like catechins and epicatechin, improve blood flow and support cardiovascular health, enhancing energy production and endurance. The sugars offer quick energy for anaerobic activities, while its protein content promotes muscle repair. Additionally, compounds in dark chocolate can reduce fatigue and boost mental focus, supporting overall exercise performance.
The study recruited 20 adults aged 21-35 who exercised regularly and had no recent injuries or medications. Participants completed two trial sessions in a randomized crossover design: one consuming 300 mL of DC milk, the other an iso-caloric white chocolate (WC) milk control, with a 7-day washout between trials. After consumption, participants rested 1.5 hours before performing two sets of the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), involving six 35-meter sprints with short rest intervals. Researchers recorded sprint times, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), calculating fatigue index (FI) and power output to compare performance between DC and WC trials.
Findings showed DC milk significantly improved total effort and average sprint times during the second RAST, with higher mean and relative power output, especially in males. Females showed lower resting HR after DC milk, suggesting improved autonomic recovery. No differences appeared in HR or perceived exertion across trials.
Lead author said “The likely benefits stem from DC milk’s flavonoid and sucrose content enhancing blood flow and energy supply, though physiological mechanisms like nitric oxide levels were not directly measured. While performance gains were statistically modest (0.5%-1.5%), such effects could interest competitive athletes seeking small advantages.”

Check full updates on Medical Dialogues

Also check out -
Medical Dialogues Academy, a renowned academic wing of Medical Dialogues - India's premier health and news online portal, proudly presents this comprehensive course tailored for healthcare professionals eager to delve into the realm of medical journalism.

🔗 Enroll Today: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/courses/certificate-course-in-medical-journalism/

📚 Explore More With Us:
📌 Medical Content Writing: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/courses/medical-content-writing/
📌 Certificate Course in Pharmaceutical Medico-Marketing: https://academy.medicaldialogues.in/courses/certificate-course-in-pharmaceutical-medico-marketing/

Join us on this enlightening journey and become a part of a community pushing the boundaries of healthcare communication and reporting.
Get the latest medical and health news at medicaldialogues.in
Follow us on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/medicaldialogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medicaldialogues/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicaldialogues
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medical-dialogues
Website: https://medicaldialogues.in/

Видео Dark chocolate milk intake linked to improved sprint performance: Study канала Medical Dialogues