Dark secret of fighting fatigue

Chocolate rich in flavonoids may help ease MS symptoms, say scientists

Experts are to look at the impact of chocolate on multiple sclerosis (MS).

TheMS Society will fund researchers at Oxford Brookes University to see if chocolate can reduce fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of MS.

People taking part in the trial will consume a hot chocolate drink rich in flavonoids, which are thought to help reduce inflammation.

Flavonoids are found in many types of food, including dark chocolate with cocoa levels over 70%.

Forty people with MS will be given hot chocolate every day over six weeks. Half will get a flavonoidrich drink while the others will be given a drink with low levels of flavonoids.

Dr Shelly Coe, who is running the trial, said: “Dark chocolate is generally seen as a food that’s bad for you but it has good things in it – including flavonoids. We’ve run the idea of this trial past a lot of people such as those at MS support groups and medics, and they’ve really liked it. We’ll be looking at the impact of cocoa flavonoids on inflammation and the role that plays in fatigue. There’s no cure for fatigue in people with MS, although the majority of those with the condition experience thissymptomat some point.”

“Dark chocolate is seen as bad ... but it has good things in it”

Dr Emma Gray, head of clinical trials at the MS Society, said: “More than 100,000 people are living with MS in the UK and many of them have to deal with the debilitating effects of fatigue on a daily basis.

“We are delighted to be supporting this project as it’s quirky and unusual, but ultimately based on robust scientific evidence.”