Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (notably epicatechin) and small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which have been investigated for their potential effects on mitochondrial function. Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) suggest that flavonoids can enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, improve mitochondrial efficiency, and reduce oxidative stress within mitochondria. Some research indicates that epicatechin may activate signaling pathways (e.g., PGC-1α, SIRT1) involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. However, the majority of these findings come from laboratory models or animal studies, with limited direct evidence in humans.

Human clinical trials examining the effects of chocolate or cocoa flavonoids specifically on mitochondrial health are sparse. Some studies show improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced exercise performance, which may be indirectly related to improved mitochondrial function, but these endpoints do not directly measure mitochondrial health. Additionally, the sugar and fat content of most commercial chocolate can offset potential health benefits if consumed in excess. Overall, while there is emerging scientific interest and some mechanistic evidence supporting a possible role of chocolate compounds in supporting mitochondrial function, the evidence in humans remains preliminary and limited.

More about Chocolate
More about Mitochondria

Other ingredients that support Mitochondria

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
bovine liver
caffeine
catechins
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
copper
creatine monohydrate
d-alpha tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
fructose
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
grape
greens blend (proprietary)
hesperetin
knotweed
krill oil
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
manganese
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
resveratrol
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sardines
selenium
black ginger
spinach
starch
stearic acid
strawberry
succinic acid
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
lingzhi
cistanche
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
Alpha polylactate
Apigenin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
berry
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Cardarine
Cocarboxylase
Capsinoids
Coenzyme A
Cardiolipin
Cyanidin
Capsiate
Chocolate
Creatine
C-Phycocyanin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Ribose
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
glucose
Ketone Salts

Other body systems supported by Chocolate

Arteries
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Dopamine
Heart
Mitochondria
Nerves
Serotonin
Skin
Specific Neurotransmitters

Products containing Chocolate

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.