Overview
- The study published Monday, June 8, 2026 used urine biomarkers from about 30,000 participants in the United Kingdom and United States to estimate flavanol intake and absorption.
- Researchers found fewer than one in five people achieve the roughly 400–600 mg per day range linked to cardiovascular benefit, and many who meet the standard five‑a‑day still fall short of the ~500 mg level used in prior trials.
- The paper lists the highest single‑serving sources of flavanols as plums, cranberries, blackberries, green tea and broad (fava) beans and gives approximate milligram amounts per serving for each item.
- Prior randomized evidence from the COSMOS trial showed about a 27% lower cardiovascular mortality with ~500 mg daily, but experts in the coverage caution that outcome‑focused trials, variability in food flavanol content and differences in gut microbiota mean causation and policy changes are not yet settled.
- The report discloses research collaboration with Mars, Inc., and authors and commentators say practical issues such as food variability, access and clearer messaging would need resolution if guidance shifts toward recommending specific flavanol‑rich choices.