DRINKING hot chocolate could help to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, Oxford researchers have discovered.

The study was led by Shelly Coe, senior lecturer in nutrition at Oxford Brookes University, and found that participants reported less fatigue and pain after consuming the drink for six weeks.

The cocoa drink rich was in flavonoids - compounds known for their antioxidant properties, which are known to reduce inflammation in the body.

A group of 40 people, recently diagnosed with a particular form of MS, were split into two groups.

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One half was told to a cup of either high-flavonoid cocoa powder mixed with heated rice milk every day, while the other consumed a low-flavonoid version.

Fatigue levels were assessed throughout the study, and those on the drinks rated their fatigue on a scale of one to 10, at 10am, 3pm and 8pm every day.

After six weeks, researchers discovered there was a small improvement in fatigue in 11 of those drinking the high-flavonoid cocoa, compared with eight of those drinking the low-flavonoid version.

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Those drinking high-flavonoid cocoa were also able to walk further than those in the other group during a walking test, and seemed to experience less pain.

Dr Coe now hopes to apply for funding for a larger clinical trial to further investigate the link.

The trail and research was funded and conducted through the university's Centre for Movement, Occupational and Rehabilitation Sciences, based on the Headington campus.