Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Flavanols are a class of polyphenolic compounds found in foods such as cocoa, tea, grapes, and apples. Their potential use in diabetic retinopathy is supported by a growing but still preliminary body of scientific evidence. Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction in the retina. Flavanols, especially those from cocoa and green tea (such as epicatechin and catechin), have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal studies. Some small human studies and several animal models suggest that flavanol supplementation can reduce retinal oxidative damage, inhibit inflammatory pathways, and improve retinal blood flow, which are relevant mechanisms in diabetic retinopathy. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. A few pilot studies and observational research hint at potential protective effects of high-flavanol diets on retinal health in diabetic patients, but no large-scale randomized controlled trials have confirmed efficacy in preventing or treating diabetic retinopathy. Thus, while mechanistic and early clinical data justify continued research, the current evidence base is insufficient for strong clinical recommendations. The use of flavanol mixtures for diabetic retinopathy is scientifically plausible but not yet conclusively validated.

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