Cocoa Relieves Children’s Stress: Randomized Parallel-group Comparison Study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of consuming cocoa drinks on stress levels and physiological conditions of children. This single-blind, non-intervention controlled, parallel group comparison study recruited 44 children aged 12 years who were healthy but had stress. Blood tests were conducted to ensure safety and to explore any potential effect, and stress was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The participants were randomized into two groups: the cocoa group, who consumed cocoa drink for four weeks, and the control group. The study was conducted between October and November 2022. We analyzed the GHQ and blood test results of 37 children. There was a significant improvement in stress level from GHQ, and in serum Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) of children in the cocoa group compared to those in the control group. Consuming cocoa drinks for four weeks showed lowered stress levels in children.