Table 3 Baseline characteristics of 44 pregnant women by study arm
Baseline characteristics | High-flavanol chocolate (n = 23) | Low-flavanol chocolate (n = 21) |
|---|---|---|
Age (years) | 28.7 ± 3.17 | 29.76 ± 3.63 |
Height (m) | 1.64 ± 0.06 | 1.66 ± 0.04 |
Weight (kg) | 66.07 ± 6.79 | 64.90 ± 8.14 |
BMI (kg/m2) | 24.73 ± 2.68 | 23.61 ± 2.85 |
Gestation duration at randomisation (weeks) | 21.13 ± 1.10 | 21.10 ± 1.61 |
Blood pressure | ||
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)* | 109.43 ± 7.65 | 105.94 ± 7.84 |
Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)* | 66.80 ± 6.34 | 64.23 ± 6.24 |
Mean arterial pressure (mmHg)* | 81.01 ± 5.87 | 78.14 ± 6.48 |
Flow-mediated dilation (%) | 11.86 ± 4.66 | 13.25 ± 3.80 |
Plasma biomarkers of chocolate intake | ||
Theobromine (μg/mL plasma) | 0.45 ± 0.43 | 0.35 ± 0.37 |
Theophylline (μg/mL plasma) | 0.13 ± 0.18 | 0.07 ± 0.11 |
Caffeine (μg/mL plasma) | 0.58 ± 0.82 | 0.29 ± 0.46 |
Plasma flavanol concentrations | ||
Epicatechin (ng/mL plasma) | 4.90 ± 0.00 | 4.90 ± 0.00 |
Catechin (ng/mL plasma) | 55.99 ± 44.23 | 44.05 ± 46.68 |