Table 2 Characteristics of trials excluded from the meta-analysis

Grassi et al. [19]; Italy

Crossover^a,c

100 g/d

500 mg polyphenols

33.9 yr;

15/15

Same population and protocol as studied in Grassi et al. [11]

Dark/white chocolate

15 d

22.6

Allen et al. [34], Erdman et al. [35]; USA

Crossover^b;

22g/d

Not reported

44.7 yr;

44/44

No cocoa-free control group

Chocolate + plant sterols/chocolate + no plant sterols

28 d (4 wk)

27.8

Balzer et al. [36]; USA

Parallel;

3 drink mix/d

963 mg flavanols;

63.8 yr;

21/20

No mean SBP/DBP (SD) reported

High/low-flavanol drink

30 d (4 wk)

control: 75 mg flavanols

32.1

Faridi et al. [37]; USA

Crossover^a,c;

74 g bar with 22 g cocoa/d;

821 mg flavanols

53 yr;

44/44

Duration < 2 wk

Dark chocolate/placebo bar

Single dose, 1 d

30

Ried et al. (phase 2) [23]; Australia

Crossover^d;

50 g/d; control: 1 capsule/d;

750 mg polyphenols;

53.1 yr;

26/26

Crossover of two active treatment groups, no true control group

Dark chocolate/Tomato extract capsules

56 days (8 wks)

control: tomato extract (15 mg lycopene)

26.6

Almoosawi et al. [38]; UK

Crossover^a,c;

20 g/d;

1000 mg polyphenols;

31 yr;

14/14

Two dosages, no true control group

Dark chocolate dosage 1/dosage 2

14 days

control: 500 mg

27.7