Mars Symbioscience has extended the availability of cocoa extract food supplement CocoaVia to the UK and Ireland.

The move comes in response to increasing demand for cocoa and the phytonutrients found in cocoa flavanols, which are said to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels that contribute to normal blood flow.

Mars stated CocoaVia does not contain any chocolate, nor is it derived from chocolate, but is prepared by using a proprietary process that preserves the flavanols in their purest form.

Known as Cocoapro, the process involves the quick-harvesting and drying of Indonesian cocoa beans, before carefully extracting the flavanols.

"The company developed the process as the traditional cocoa processing, involving fermentation and roasting, destroys cocoa flavanols."

The company developed the process as the traditional cocoa processing, involving fermentation and roasting, destroys cocoa flavanols.

Mars said that CocoaVia will be available in 90-capsule bottles and a three-capsule portion delivers 375mg of cocoa flavanols, according to the statement.

Prior to the European distribution, the company expanded US distribution of the cocoa extract food supplement to more than 7,800 Walgreens locations across the country last October.