Feasibility of a 6-week cocoa nibs intervention in older Ghanaian adults receiving antihypertensive medication: a pilot study

Cocoa nibs are a rich source of dietary polyphenol, fibre, minerals and can be consumed as snack for their health-promoting benefits. However, the feasibility of incorporating cocoa nibs into the diet of older adults with hypertension receiving antihypertensive medications has not been established. This pilot feasibility study investigated the feasibility of 6-week intake of cocoa nibs (30 g/day) on adherence, adverse events, and preliminary changes in anthropometry, blood pressure and lipid profile in 19 older Ghanaian adults. Older adults (n = 19) aged ≥50 years who are receiving antihypertensive medications completed the study. Anthropometric parameters, BP and lipid profile were assessed at baseline (Week 0) and endpoint (Week 6) of the study, with midpoint (Week 3) also included for the BP measurement. Self-reported compliance for consuming cocoa nibs was > 95% for all participants, and no adverse event related to the cocoa nibs consumption was recorded. Following the 6-week intervention, mean (± SEM) systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were decreased by 5.7 ± 2.2 mmHg and 5.2 ± 1.3 mmHg respectively. Mean total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were also decrease by 1.6 ± 0.3 mmol/L and 1.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L, respectively. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support further investigation of roasted cocoa nib consumption and its potential effects on cardiometabolic health in older adults living with hypertension. Trial registration The study was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry and granted identification number PACTR202308889689994 on 8th August, 2023.