Theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, may impact mood and depression risk.
But the details are complicated. Here’s what the science says so far.
Key Facts:
- A recent study found higher theobromine intake was associated with increased depression risk.
- However, some experts argue the study had limitations in how it measured depression and theobromine intake.
- There’s evidence depressed people may crave and consume more chocolate, rather than chocolate causing depression.
- Overall, more research is needed to clarify if and how chocolate ingredients like theobromine impact depression risk.
Source: BMC Psychiatry 2023 Jun 7
The Chocolate Compound in Question: Theobromine
Theobromine is a bitter, crystalline compound found naturally in the cacao plant.
It is abundant in chocolate products, especially dark chocolate.
Besides adding flavor, theobromine has some similarities to caffeine.
It can provide a mild stimulant effect by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain.
However, theobromine is metabolized differently than caffeine. Its effects are subtler and longer-lasting.
Recently, a study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry concluded that higher theobromine intake is linked to an increased risk of depression.
But some experts argue there are issues with how the study was conducted.
Problems With Measuring Theobromine Intake
In the study, participants self-reported their theobromine consumption based on their dietary recall from the previous 24 hours.
However, experts point out the theobromine content can vary widely between different chocolate products.
For example, dark chocolate has much higher amounts compared to milk chocolate.
Theobromine quantity also depends on the cacao percentage.
With such variability between products, it would be difficult for participants to accurately estimate their theobromine intake without very detailed food diaries.
Challenges Diagnosing Depression
The study defined depression as a score of 5 or higher on a screening questionnaire.
However, there is no consensus in the clinical field that this cutoff is accurate for diagnosing depression.
Depression is complex and doctors diagnose it based on a combination of symptoms, their severity, and duration.
There are also different forms like major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Using questionnaire scores alone may not give an accurate picture of who has clinical depression versus temporary depressive symptoms.
An Alternative View: Do Depressed People Consume More Chocolate?
Due to the potential flaws in how the study measured theobromine and depression, some scientists argue the relationship may actually be reverse.
In other words, people experiencing depression may be more likely to crave and consume chocolate products containing theobromine.
There are several reasons why this could be the case:
Craving Sweet Foods
It’s well known that depression can cause cravings for sugary or carb-heavy foods.
Eating these foods leads to a temporary spike in feel-good serotonin levels in the brain.
Since chocolate is high in sugar, the craving for sweets and resulting serotonin boost could drive depressed individuals to eat more chocolate.
Seeking Pleasurable Effects
Depression often causes people to lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
Seeking out small pleasures like favorite foods can be an attempt to boost mood.
This could motivate some with depression to eat more chocolate or cocoa products in hopes of feeling better, at least temporarily.
The ‘Chocolate Cure’
In many cultures, chocolate is seen as an affordable daily treat that can lift spirits and reduce stress.
The idea of chocolate as a “cure” for sadness permeates pop culture.
People experiencing depression symptoms may turn to chocolate hoping it will act as a mood booster, whether or not the effect is clinically significant.
Mindfulness Factor
Previous research found that mindfully savoring chocolate leads to more mood benefits than mindlessly snacking on it.
Those going through depression may not have the energy or focus to properly savor chocolate.
So they would be less likely to experience mood effects compared to non-depressed people.
Interaction With Antidepressants
Some antidepressant medications are known to increase cravings for sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods.
The type of medication prescribed could influence chocolate cravings and consumption patterns.
More research taking medication use into account could shed light on this potential factor.
The Role of Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin produced by chocolate metabolism.
Some experts suggest tryptophan in chocolate could contribute to temporary mood boosts.
However, oral tryptophan supplements have not been proven effective for treating clinical depression.
Any effect from chocolate sources is likely minimal.
Putting the Pieces Together
Current evidence shows that the relationship between chocolate, theobromine, and depression risk is complex, with many unanswered questions.
While the recent study suggests higher theobromine could increase depression prevalence, experts in the field argue major limitations weaken this conclusion.
Alternative explanations better fit our understanding of chocolate cravings and consumption patterns in the context of depression.
Specifically, that those experiencing depression likely eat more chocolate products in an effort to self-medicate negative mood.
However, the benefits are temporary and not clinically meaningful for treating depression long-term.
Theobromine & Depression: The Bottom Line
Overall, more rigorous research is needed to truly unravel if and how chocolate ingredients like theobromine influence depression risk and symptoms.
Future studies should:
- Use detailed food diaries over extended periods to accurately measure theobromine and chocolate intake
- Leverage clinical interviews and assessment tools to reliably diagnose depression
- Track medications and control for their effects on cravings and taste preferences
- Consider the differences between acute depressive episodes and chronic clinical depression
Only with robust study design can we get clarity on chocolate’s impact on this complicated and multifaceted mental health condition.
For now, chocolate in moderation can be enjoyed as an occasional treat by most as part of an overall balanced diet and lifestyle.
Those with depression should not view chocolate as a substitute for professional treatment.
References
- Study: One-way or two-way street link between theobromine and depression?
- Authors: Rafael Franco & Eva Marintez-Pinilla (2023)
