Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD
Theobromine
MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated
AVELOR SUMMARY
Theobromine is the primary alkaloid in cocoa/chocolate — structurally similar to caffeine but with DIFFERENT pharmacology. It's a weaker CNS stimulant but STRONGER cardiovascular dilator and bronchodilator. Half-life is 6-10 hours (vs caffeine's 5-6 hours). Does NOT cause jitters or anxiety like caffeine (less adenosine receptor antagonism). The 'chocolate high' is partially theobromine-mediated. 100-300mg/day for mood and cardiovascular effects. Present in dark chocolate (250mg per 50g bar), cocoa, and yerba mate. Toxic to dogs (same as caffeine/xylitol — dogs metabolize theobromine 6x slower).
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*Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board*
*Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.