The Acute Effect of 2 Different Serving Regimens of Theobromine on Physiological Effects

• Blood pressure [ Time Frame: Measured during 24h (every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during the night) for 3 periods ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Hematocrit [ Time Frame: Measured on day 1 and 2 (at time points -5min and 24h) for 3 periods ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Serum blood lipids [ Time Frame: Measured on day 1 and 2 (at time points -5min and 24h) for 3 periods ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Serum glucose and insulin concentrations [ Time Frame: Measured on day 1 and 2 (at time points -5min, 3h, 5h, 10h and 24h) for 3 periods ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The main aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the physiological effects of theobromine when provided via a single serving compared to multiple servings adding up to the same amount of theobromine provided on a day.

This study also aims to study the pharmacokinetics of theobromine after administration once per day versus administration 4 times per day.

Hypothesis: the effects on heart rate are less pronounced when a high dose of theobromine is given in 4 smaller doses.

• Dietary Supplement: Theobromine
  Single dose of theobromine
• Dietary Supplement: Theobromine
  Multiple doses of theobromine
• Dietary Supplement: Placebo
  Placebo capsules

• Active Comparator: Active Comparator: Single serving of theobromine
  Intervention: Dietary Supplement: Theobromine
• Active Comparator: Multiple servings of theobromine
  Intervention: Dietary Supplement: Theobromine
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo capsules
  Intervention: Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Inclusion Criteria:

• Apparently healthy men and post-menopausal women: no medical conditions which might affect study measurements (judged by study physician)
• Age 40-70 years
• BMI ≥ 18 and ≤ 30 kg/m2
• Blood pressure, heart rate, haematological and clinical chemical parameters within the normal reference range as judged non clinically significant by research physician
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous cardiovascular event(s) (stroke, TIA, angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Reported weight loss or gain of 10% body weight or more during a period of 6 months prior to screening
• Reported intense sporting activities > 10 h/week
• Use of over-the -counter prescribed medication which may interfere with study measurements, as judged by the physician
• Use of antibiotics in the three months before screening or during the run-in period.
• Currently smoking or being a non-smoker for less than 6 months and reported use of any nicotine containing products in the 6 months preceding the study and during the study itself
• High caffeine consumption: reported consumption of more than 8 cups/cans of caffeine-containing drinks per day, i.e. coffee, black or green tea and cola (also cola light, diet & zero) OR consumption of more than 1 energy drink per day