Chocolate candy consumption is not associated with negative physiological parameters in adult participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004

The relationship between chocolate candy consumption and physiological parameters was examined in adults (n=14,196) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004. Chocolate consumers (n=1,831) were defined as those who consumed any amount of chocolate candy during the 24‐hour dietary recall. Quartiles of chocolate consumption were determined and analyzed by logistic regression. Mean chocolate candy intakes by quartile were 10.06±0.19 g/day (Q1); 23.03±0.24 g/day (Q2), 43.14±0.34 g/day (Q3) and 91.67±2.84 g/day (Q4). There were no significant relationships between chocolate candy consumption and mean body weight, BMI, waist circumference; triceps skin fold, blood pressure or serum cholesterol. There was a significant (p<0.05) negative linear trend of chocolate candy consumption with triglycerides and C‐reactive protein (c‐RP). There was a significant trend (p<0.05) of chocolate candy consumption and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. Chocolate candy consumption is not associated with increased body weight/fatness or negative physiological parameters in adult NHANES participants. Support provided by the National Confectioners Association.