‘Quirky’ trial to examine the role of chocolate in beating MS fatigue

The MS Society will fund researchers at Oxford Brookes University to see whether chocolate can reduce fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of MS, in people with the condition.

People taking part in the trial will consume a hot chocolate drink rich in flavonoids, which are thought to help reduce inflammation. They are found in many types of food, including dark chocolate with cocoa levels over 70 per cent. Forty people with MS will be given hot chocolate every day over six weeks. Half will get a flavonoid-rich drink while the others will be given a drink with low levels.

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 this symptom at some point.”

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.”