Evaluating The Polyphenol Content Of Cocoa Powders Used For Post-exercise Recovery Drinks

PURPOSE: Previous research has suggested exercise-related benefits of consuming cocoa, possibly due to the polyphenols it contains and their antioxidant effects. These benefits may include reducing muscle oxidative stress and soreness, improving vascular function and minimizing the impact of intense exercise on gut permeability. Athletes seeking to incorporate cocoa into their diets in field settings may use readily available forms such as regular or organic cocoa powder or powdered chocolate milk. However, the polyphenol content and possible effects on exercise and recovery in these may vary due to processing. The purpose of the current project was to compare the polyphenol content of organic cocoa powder with that of regular cocoa and powdered chocolate milk to provide practical recommendations for athletes. METHODS: The catechin content in cocoa powder (regular and organic unsweetened) and protein-fortified chocolate milk powder was measured using a Phenolic Assay Kit (Sigma-Aldrich). For the assay, 50 mg of sample was dissolved in 1 ml of solvent (methanol:water:1 M HCl in a ratio of 7:2.95:0.5) and analyzed using a catechin standard. Absorbance was measured in a 96-well plate at 480 nm, with standards ranging from 2 to 20 nmol/well. The results were then converted to a per- serving basis for easier comparison. RESULTS: For regular cocoa powder, catechin concentration ranged from 3.61 μg to 29.95 μg per mL. In a 5 mg serving of regular cocoa powder, there were 16.02 μg of catechin per mL or 3.20 mg per g of cocoa. In organic cocoa powder, catechin concentration ranged from 3.15 μg to 28.86 μg per mL. In 5 mg of organic cocoa powder, there were 14.42 μg of catechin per mL or 2.88 mg per g of cocoa. For chocolate milk powder, catechin concentration ranged from 1.25 μg to 2.20 μg per mL. CONCLUSIONS: Regular and organic cocoa powder may both be a practical source of polyphenols for athletes that can be easily added to powdered milk or other recovery drinks. Future research should assess other types of polyphenols present in cocoa powders and determine whether possible effects on exercise vary based on the type of cocoa used and with the addition of other polyphenol-rich ingredients.