A recent study by King’s College demonstrates that theobromine in dark chocolate may delay biological aging.
Imagine a piece of dark chocolate. It might not be the sweetest treat, but it could influence our DNA.
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Curator’s Note: A recent study by King’s College indicates that theobromine in dark chocolate may contribute to slower biological aging. The research, involving nearly 1,600 participants, found a correlation between higher theobromine levels and indicators of reduced biological age. Researchers utilized advanced techniques like DNA methylation analysis to confirm these findings. While theobromine showed notable effects, especially among smokers, it is not a definitive anti-aging solution. The study encourages moderation in chocolate consumption and calls for further investigation into theobromine’s effects and mechanisms. Ultimately, it highlights the need for continued research into plant-derived compounds for healthier aging. This post was authored by Dr Khalid Rahman.
Dear Subscribers,
A recent study from the UK found that people who appeared biologically younger than their actual age had higher levels of theobromine in their blood.
The study did not suggest eating chocolate as a magic solution for aging. Instead, it showed that higher levels of a cocoa compound in the blood are linked to signs of slower biological aging, especially at the molecular level.
Nearly 1,600 people from two European groups took part in this study. Researchers used advanced methods, such as DNA methylation and serum metabolomics, for analysis.
Scientists measured theobromine in blood alongside epigenetic clocks, such as GrimAge acceleration and DNAmTL telomere length. The results were surprising.
They found that higher theobromine levels were linked to slower epigenetic aging. This result remained unchanged even after accounting for potential biases, such as time lags.
Biological age unboxed
A person’s chronological age is based only on their birth date. You can figure out how many years someone has lived by counting from their birth date.
You might be curious about biological age, which tells a more accurate story. Biological age is measured by examining DNA methylation, which changes chemical tags on DNA to control gene expression, and telomeres, which are protective ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age.
Telomeres are essential signs of aging. Mainly, aging depends on how much our epigenetics change. In other words, changes in DNA methylation can show how much we have aged or whether we might develop age-related diseases.
Researchers in the current study used the powerhouse clocks to spot noticeable theobromine tweaks that led to a dip in GrimAgeAccel and an elevation in DNAmTL. This finding helped them determine unique aging facets, including genome-wide shifting and telomere attrition.
Theobromine was ahead of its competitors.
Cocoa and coffee both contain compounds called methylxanthines, including caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine, 7-methylxanthine, and theobromine. Theobromine partly comes from caffeine but is much more common in raw cocoa.
The study compared theobromine with other similar compounds and tested the results using various mathematical methods.
Interestingly, theobromine’s age-slowing effect was strongest in smokers. This suggests that nicotine might interact with theobromine, break it down faster, or that theobromine could be more protective for smokers. More research is needed to understand this aspect.
Scientists need to study more plants to help improve the aging process.
Research to date has identified phytochemicals, or the plant-derived chemicals, including polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Studies indicate their role in controlling cholesterol levels, inflammation, and alterations in the aged cells.
Studies have also examined plant-based alkaloids such as berberine and quinine, which plants use to protect themselves from insects. Scientists are studying these to see how they might help address health problems such as diabetes and cancer.
Early studies show that cocoa, coffee, and theobromine may lower the risk of heart disease and early death by changing gene expression. In animals, theobromine can also have harmful effects. It affects mental processes differently from caffeine.
Studies on worms show that theobromine can help them live longer. In mice, it may boost signals in the brain linked to happiness and learning.
Although the stand-alone health benefits of theobromine have been demonstrated by contemporary studies, scientists have yet to unravel its mechanism of action and the medicinal properties that may be used to maximise its health benefits.
Take-home message
This study does not offer a guaranteed way to live longer. Still, it does give researchers a clue to explore how theobromine might help with healthy aging.
That’s why we should remember that dark chocolate is just a starting point for further research, not a time-tested remedy for living longer. This study does not recommend increasing dark chocolate intake as part of one’s daily routine.
The best approach is to enjoy dark chocolate occasionally and in moderation, based on your own health and nutrition needs, to avoid any unwanted effects.
Source reference
Saad R, Costeira R, Matías-García PR, Villicaña S, Gieger C, Suhre K, Peters A, Kastenmüller G, Rodríguez-Mateos A, Dias C, Menni C, Waldenberger M, Bell JT. Theobromine is associated with slower epigenetic ageing. Aging (Albany, NY). 2025 Dec 10;. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206344 [Epub ahead of print]
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Dr. Khalid Rahman Health Scientist | Scholarly Communicator | Licensed Integrative Medicine Practitioner PhD (Clinical Research) | MSc (Bioinformatics) | MSc (Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs) | Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application | Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery
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