Sub-Chronic Consumption of Dark Chocolate Enhances Cognitive Function and Releases Nerve Growth Factors: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial

Eri Sumiyoshi, Kentaro Matsuzaki, Naotoshi Sugimoto, Yoko Tanabe, Toshiko Hara, Masanori Katakura, Mayumi Miyamoto, Seiji Mishima, Osamu Shido, Eri Sumiyoshi, Kentaro Matsuzaki, Naotoshi Sugimoto, Yoko Tanabe, Toshiko Hara, Masanori Katakura, Mayumi Miyamoto, Seiji Mishima, Osamu Shido

Abstract

Previous research has shown that habitual chocolate intake is related to cognitive performance and that frequent chocolate consumption is significantly associated with improved memory. However, little is known about the effects of the subchronic consumption of dark chocolate (DC) on cognitive function and neurotrophins. Eighteen healthy young subjects (both sexes; 20-31 years old) were randomly divided into two groups: a DC intake group (n = 10) and a cacao-free white chocolate (WC) intake group (n = 8). The subjects then consumed chocolate daily for 30 days. Blood samples were taken to measure plasma levels of theobromine (a methylxanthine most often present in DC), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and to analyze hemodynamic parameters. Cognitive function was assessed using a modified Stroop color word test and digital cancellation test. Prefrontal cerebral blood flow was measured during the tests. DC consumption increased the NGF and theobromine levels in plasma, enhancing cognitive function performance in both tests. Interestingly, the DC-mediated enhancement of cognitive function was observed three weeks after the end of chocolate intake. WC consumption did not affect NGF and theobromine levels or cognitive performance. These results suggest that DC consumption has beneficial effects on human health by enhancing cognitive function.

Keywords: Stroop color word test; cognitive function; dark chocolate; digital cancellation test; nerve growth factor; subchronic effect; theobromine; young-adult.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experiment schedules. Subjects took chocolate daily for 30 days (Chocolate-intake intervention). The subjects’ physical characteristics, cognitive function test, and prefrontal cerebral blood flow (PFCBF) were recorded pre-(Pre) and postintervention (Post) and at a follow-up (FU) visit, 3 weeks after the end of the intervention. Blood was sampled before chocolate intake (baseline), during the chocolate intake intervention (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks), and 3 weeks after the end of the intervention (FU).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A timeline of cognitive function tests. PFCBF were measured during the cognitive function tests. Preparation, the experimental instruments were attached for subject; rest, 5 min resting time.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The effects of dark chocolate (DC) and white chocolate (WC) intake on performance in the modified SCWT. The number of correct answers in word tests in the modified SCWT at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((A), left panel) and the WC group ((A), right panel). The number of correct answers in the color tests at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((B), left panel) and the WC group ((B), right panel). Values are the means ± SEM. * Significant differences vs. Pre at p < 0.05.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The effects of dark chocolate (DC) and white chocolate (WC) intake on PFCBF during the cognitive function tests. Average of oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) during the modified SCWT in word tests at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((A), upper panel) and WC group ((A), lower panel). Average of Oxy-Hb during the modified SCWT in color tests at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((B), upper panel) and the WC group ((B), lower panel). Average of Oxy-Hb during the D-CAT at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((C), upper panel) and the WC group ((C), lower panel). Variables are expressed as changes (∆) from the baseline at the rest period in each trial. Means ± SEM bars are presented every 5 s.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The effects of dark chocolate (DC) and white chocolate (WC) intake on neurotrophins in the plasma. The NGF concentrations in plasma at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((A), left panel) and the WC group ((A), right panel). The BDNF concentrations in plasma at Pre, Post, and FU for the DC group ((B), left panel) and the WC group ((B), right panel). Values are the means ± SEM. ** Significant differences vs. Pre at p < 0.01.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Changes in theobromine and caffeine concentrations in plasma of the DC group during the experimental period, including follow-up. Values are the means ± SEM. *** Significant differences vs. baseline at p < 0.001.

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