Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO935

Does Dark Chocolate Intake Influence Magnesium Status in Hemodialysis Patients?

Session Information

• Health Maintenance, Nutrition, Metabolism - I
  November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

• 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Authors

• Mafra, Denise, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Denise Mafra,

• Kemp, Julie Ann, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Julie Ann Kemp,

• Fanton, Susane, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Susane Fanton,

• Baptista, Beatriz Germer, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Beatriz Germer Baptista,

• Ribeiro, Marcia Maria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Marcia Maria Ribeiro,

• Ribeiro-Alves, Marcelo, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves,

• Cardozo, Ludmila Fmf, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ludmila Fmf Cardozo,

Group or Team Name

• Renal Nutrition - UFF.

Background

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) is a fundamental mineral that maintains cell function. Magnesium deficiency can be observed in patients with CKD and is associated with increased inflammation, disease progression, and mortality. Studies have shown that patients with high Mg²⁺ serum levels have shown better survival. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium and polyphenols. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of 70% cocoa chocolate on magnesium plasma levels in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

These are secondary analyses from a previous controlled pilot study that included 59 CKD patients undergoing HD. Patients were allocated into two groups; the chocolate group received 40 grams of 70% cocoa chocolate during HD sessions (3 times a week) for two months. The control group did not receive any intervention. Routine biochemical parameters, including potassium, phosphorus and Mg²⁺, were evaluated by a colourimetric test using a commercial kit (Bioclin®).

Results

Thirty-five patients in the chocolate group (17 women, 53.4 ± 12.9 years) and 11 in the control group (4 women, 46.7 ± 10.9 years) completed the study. The median of Mg²⁺ serum levels was 2.4 (0.4) mg/dL, with no significant differences between the groups. After two months of supplementation, there was no change in potassium and phosphorus plasma levels, but the Mg²⁺ serum levels were significantly increased in the chocolate group (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Dark chocolate intake increased the Mg²⁺ serum levels in patients with CKD on HD. Therefore, dark chocolate might be a promising nutritional strategy to improve Mg²⁺ levels in patients with CKD on HD. The offered dose was safe, not altering plasma phosphorus and potassium levels.

Figure 1. Comparison of plasma magnesium levels before and after two months in the control and chocolate groups.

Funding

• Government Support – Non-U.S.