Large clinical trial finds daily supplement lowered a key blood marker linked to heart health

• A large clinical trial found cocoa extract cut levels of hsCRP, an inflammation marker, by about 8.4% per year.

• Other markers showed mixed results, with a small IL-6 reduction in women but no broad changes.

• Findings may explain part of cocoas heart health benefits seen in earlier COSMOS results.

A new analysis from the COSMOS trial suggests that cocoa extract could help reduce age-related inflammation.

Researchers reported that adults who took a flavanol-rich cocoa supplement daily for two years had significantly lower levels of hsCRP, a well-known marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Our interest in cocoa extract and inflammaging started on the basis of cocoa-related reductions in cardiovascular disease, researcher Howard Sesso, ScD, MPH, said in a news release.

We also appreciate the important overlap between healthy aging and cardiovascular health, where aging-related inflammation can harden arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease. Because of that, we wanted to see whether multi-year cocoa extract supplementation versus a placebo could modulate inflammaging and the data suggests it does.

The study

The findings come from a substudy within COSMOS, a nationwide clinical trial involving over 21,000 older adults. For this analysis, scientists focused on 598 participants who provided blood samples at the start, after one year, and after two years. Participants were randomly assigned to take either cocoa extract capsules or placebo, without knowing which they received.

Blood tests measured five key proteins:

• hsCRP (C-reactive protein): a marker linked to cardiovascular risk

• IL-6 and TNF-: pro-inflammatory proteins

• IL-10: an anti-inflammatory protein

• IFN-: an immune signaling protein
  

This design allowed researchers to track whether cocoa supplementation influenced inflammation compared to placebo over time.

The results

The standout result was a steady reduction in hsCRP: about 8.4% lower each year in the cocoa group versus placebo. Researchers say this may help explain the cardiovascular benefits tied to cocoa extract in earlier COSMOS reports.

Other results were less consistent:

• IL-6 dropped modestly in women but not men.

• TNF- and IL-10 showed little change.

• IFN- levels actually increased, a surprising finding the team says needs more study.
  

Overall, the data suggest cocoa extract could play a role in easing age-related inflammation, though its effects appear strongest for hsCRP. Researchers caution that supplements are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits, but the results add another piece to the puzzle of how cocoa may support heart health and aging.

This study calls for more attention to the advantage of plant-based foods for cardiovascular health, including cocoa products rich in flavanols, Sesso said. It reinforces the importance of a diverse, colorful, plant-based diet especially in the context of inflammation.

An expert shares tips on how consumers can be more budget-conscious this holiday

• Costumes and candy take the biggest bite out of Halloween budgets, followed by increasingly elaborate decorations.

• Shopping smart is keystacking early promotions, coupons, and cashback offers can save consumers 3040%.

• Timing mattersearly shopping ensures the best selection, while last-minute buys may bring discounts but limited options.

Halloween is right around the corner, and with candy prices expected to be higher this year, sticking to your budget can be difficult this holiday season.

To help consumers make the most of their money for Halloween, RetailMeNots Stephanie Carls shared her best tips for stretching your budget, the biggest costs, and planning resources.

Halloween has shifted into something people plan for, not just participate in, Carls told ConsumerAffairs. Whether its getting the house decorated early or coordinating group costumes with the family, shoppers are being more intentional.

The key is to treat Halloween like a mini holiday budget. Plan your spending and use the tools available to stretch every dollar. Halloween 2025 is less about cutting back and more about shopping smarter. With the right timing and a little strategy, you can still have a big celebration without the big price tag.

The biggest Halloween-related costs

So, whats going to hurt consumers wallets the most for Halloween? Carls says that costumes and candy are the two biggest culprits, followed by elaborate decor setups.

Halloween used to be one costume and a bag of candy, she said. Now its a full product, and shows up in the budget.

Costumes and candy usually gobble up the biggest chunk of change, she said. Costumes are a big deal for families, especially if you're buying for a few kids or going for popular characters.

And don't forget the candy! Those costs really add up, especially if you live in a trick-or-treating hot spot. Decor is also becoming a bigger investment every year. More people are going all in on front porch setups, yard inflatable, and animated props.

How can you save?

Knowing that prices are higher and the expectation for candy and decor is also expanding, Carls explained that there are still many ways for consumers to save for Halloween.

The smartest move is stacking your savings, she explained. Most big-box and online retailers launch Halloween promotions well in advance. When you combine those early sales with promo codes, and cash back offers, a 20% sale can quickly become 30% - 40% savings.

Buying in bulk is another great way to stretch your budget especially for candy and dcor if youre hosting or expecting a lot of trick-or-treaters. You dont have to cut back on Halloween. You just have to shop with a plan.

Pros and cons of shopping early

Carls explained that a recent survey from RetailMeNot found that 62% of shoppers want to get their Halloween shopping done well ahead of the holiday. But does this translate to better deals?

Carls explained that there are pros and cons to shopping early.

Shopping earlier often gives consumers the best selection of costumes, seasonal items (like family pajamas) and dcor, which can prevent last-minute splurges on pricier items, she said. Early-season promotions, like buy one get one 50% off costume deals, are also worth grabbing.

That said, if you wait until just before Halloween, many retailers slash prices to clear out inventory, but by then, selection is limited. The best approach is to shop early, and still stack savings by using coupons and cash back offers to maximize value. This way you get both the pick of the assortment and the biggest discount possible.

The ready-to-eat meals may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• USDA issues public health alert for select ready-to-eat pasta meals over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

• Walmart Marketside and Trader Joes items named; multiple best if used by dates span Sept. 20Oct. 1, 2025.

• Positive test on pre-cooked pasta matches the outbreak strain tied to chicken fettuccine alfredo; consumers urged not to eat affected products.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for several ready-to-eat pasta meals that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the meals of at least 19 hospitalizations and four deaths.

The federal warnings cover products sold at Walmart and Trader Joes and follow new test results linking contaminated pasta to the ongoing listeria outbreak associated with chicken fettuccine alfredo meals.

FSIS said one of the producing companies collected samples of the FDA-regulated, pre-cooked pasta used in its meals. The linguine tested positive for listeria, and further analysis showed it is genetically related to the current outbreak strain.

FSIS previously announced a recall connected to this outbreak in June and continues working with FDA, CDC, and state health partners as the investigation evolves. The agency expects additional updates and urged consumers to check back frequently for new information.

Products under the alert:

• Sold at Walmart: MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE, 12-oz clear plastic trays, best if used by SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; OCT 01, 2025. The label shows EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

• Sold at Trader Joes: TRADER JOES CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCINE ALFREDO, 16-oz plastic trays, best if used by 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, or 9/27/2025, with P-45288 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

What to do

FSIS is concerned that affected items may still be in home refrigerators or freezers. Shoppers who purchased these products should not consume them. Throw them away or return to the store for a refund.

Questions and contacts:

• Product inquiries: Nates Fine Foods, 916-677-7303 (MonFri, 9 a.m.4 p.m. PT).

• Food safety help: USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.

• Report a problem with meat, poultry, or egg products: Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System (available 24/7) at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

FSIS said it will update the public health alert as new information becomes available.

Donors thought they were helping veterans, childrens hospitals, and other humanitarian programs

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FTC and multiple states have secured a settlement with Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. over alleged deceptive charity fundraising practices.

• The company and its operators allegedly misled donors into believing contributions would benefit veterans, children, and other charitable causes.

• The settlement imposes strict compliance measures, financial penalties, and bans from future fundraising activities.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in partnership with several state attorneys general, has announced a sweeping settlement with Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) and its operators, after uncovering alleged charity fundraising fraud that misled thousands of donors nationwide.

According to federal and state officials, Kars falsely represented itself as a legitimate fundraising entity working on behalf of well-known charitable organizations. The complaint alleged that donors were led to believe that their contributions often in the form of used cars or monetary gifts would directly support veterans, childrens hospitals, and other humanitarian programs.

Instead, investigators allege, the majority of proceeds were diverted to the companys operators and overhead costs, with little to no benefit provided to the causes donors intended to support.

Kars-R-Us ran a shameful scam to enrich its operators by preying on the generosity of donors who believed they were saving lives through breast cancer screenings, said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. In coordination with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate deceit and misuse of charitable funds.

Terms of the settlement

Under the terms of the agreement, Kars and its principals are:

• Prohibited from engaging in future fundraising activities for charities or non-profit organizations.

• Required to pay financial penalties and restitution, which will be distributed to legitimate charities and affected donors where possible.

• Subject to strict compliance monitoring, ensuring they cannot re-enter the nonprofit fundraising sector under different names or entities.

The settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing but resolves years of litigation and investigations into Kars activities.

Here are some detailed, practical ways consumers can protect themselves from charity fundraising pitches that might not be what they seem:

1. Verify the charitys legitimacy

• Check registration: In the U.S., most states require charities and fundraisers to register with the state attorney general or a charity regulator. You can search state databases to confirm.

• Use trusted sites: Tools like Charity Navigator, Candid/GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureaus Wise Giving Alliance can help you verify financial transparency and accountability.

• Confirm tax-exempt status: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to ensure the charity is officially recognized.

2. Watch for red flags

• High-pressure tactics: Scammers often push for immediate donations, saying time is running out or act now. Legitimate charities dont pressure you.

• Vague claims: Be cautious if the fundraiser cant explain exactly how donations will be used or gives evasive answers.

• Look-alike names: Fraudulent groups often use names resembling well-known charities (e.g., Childrens Wish Network vs. Make-A-Wish Foundation).

• Unclear financials: If most donations appear to go toward administrative costs or marketing rather than direct aid, its a warning sign.

3. Control how you give

• Avoid cash or gift cards: These are hard to trace and often requested by scammers. Stick to credit cards or checks payable directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.

• Dont click on suspicious links: If you receive an email, text, or social media post, go directly to the charitys official website instead of donating through the link provided.

• Ask questions: If contacted by a telemarketer, ask how much of your donation goes to the actual cause. By law, legitimate fundraisers must disclose this.

4. Keep records and monitor

• Save receipts and confirmations: This helps for tax purposes and in case you need to dispute a fraudulent charge.

• Monitor bank/credit card statements: Look for unauthorized or recurring charges.

• Opt out of lists: Ask charities not to share or sell your information to reduce unsolicited fundraising calls.

5. Report suspected fraud

If you believe youve encountered a fraudulent fundraiser:

• Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Contact your state attorney generals office.

• File a complaint with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Always pause and research before giving. A few minutes of checking can ensure your donation goes where its truly needed.