Hamid Reza Sadeghipour

Background: Physical activity can induce changes in biochemical markers, including hepatic enzymes. Meanwhile, bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may modulate these physiological responses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dark chocolate supplementation on liver enzyme responses following a volleyball session in inactive male students. Methods: Twelve inactive male students from Persian Gulf University voluntarily participated in two volleyball matches. Between the two sessions, participants consumed 30 grams of 82% dark chocolate three times per week for one month. Blood samples were collected before and after each match, and liver enzyme levels were analyzed using an autoanalyzer. Results: Volleyball activity alone significantly increased ALT (p < 0.05) and ALP (p < 0.05), while AST levels decreased (p < 0.05). Dark chocolate supplementation led to reductions in ALT (p < 0.05) and AST (p = 0.001), alongside a significant increase in ALP (p = 0.018). Furthermore, volleyball activity following the supplementation period resulted in decreased levels of ALT (p < 0.05), AST (p = 0.001), and ALP (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Four weeks of dark chocolate consumption, combined with a single bout of volleyball exercise, may positively influence liver-related biochemical markers such as ALT, AST, and ALP. These findings suggest a potential adaptive response to exercise and a modulatory role of dark chocolate’s bioactive compounds in hepatic metabolic regulation