Recently, a patent has been filed by Nestle for the use of cocoa polyphenols in food to treat or prevent eosinophilic esophagitis. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus, which can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), food obstruction and heartburn. These symptoms are caused by the release of a variety of chemical signals from eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, which inflame the surrounding esophageal tissue. It occurs both in adults and children. The reasons for this inflammatory condition are not well understood, but food allergens are considered to play a significant role.
Currently, patients have to either avoid eating all potential food allergens or taking medical treatment after a reaction. Allergy evaluation is often taken as the initial approach to identify the allergens in the diet and eliminate them to formulate a special diet for the patients. When an elemental diet is required, it can be difficult for the patients to stick to it by drinking the required amount of formula. The medical treatment includes taking medicines like proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids or antihistamines. Other treatments like mechanical dilatation of the esophagus may be considered under severe cases.
This patent, filed by Nestle, proposed a dietary solution of using procyanidin flavonoid from cocoa extract to treat or prevent eosinophilic esophagitis. The proof of possible efficacy, cited by the research, was in mice and indicated that at least one procyanidin must be present for the healing effect. This invention could be included in many industries such as pharmaceuticals, food supplements and nutritional pet products. In the food industry, the applications have been pointed out in cereal bars, yogurts, beverages, fruit juice, and baby food products. The liquid form of the extract could be sprayed directly into the esophagus through the mouth. However, a filing for patent does not necessarily mean that a working product is available or ready for market. Further approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be required and the product would have to be tested and well-proven before entering the market as an allergic treatment.
References:
http://www.confectionerynews.com/R-D/Nestle-files-patent-for-cocoa-extract-allergy-treatment
http://www.peanutallergy.com/news/food-allergy-news/nestle-files-patent-for-cocoa-based-allergy-treatment
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