Ralph Esposito

Nutrition 4 Dr. Rosenberger

Function Food Analysis: Metabolic Effect Craving Cocoa
Supplemental Facts
Serving Size: 1 scoop (8.1g)
Calories: 30
Calories from Fat: 5
Total Fat: 0.5 g
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber (Glucomannan): 3g
Protein: <1 g
Calcium: 10.9mg
Iron: 1.44mg
Sodium: 2.58mg
BCAA (L-leucine, L-valine, L-isoleucine) 1g
Cocoa Powder (Organic) 4.8g
Stevia Leaf Powder 200 mg
Other Ingredients: Guar Gum Powder, Natural Flavors, glucomannan Powder
Food Description:
Metabolic Effect Craving Cocoa designed by Jade Teta, ND was formulated as a cocoa powder
with added benefits of managing diet-induced hunger and cravings. Essentially this product is designed
as a weight management functional food to assist in controlling hunger to promote weight loss in low
calorie, low carbohydrate diet programs. Craving Cocoa is advertised as a unique cocoa powder superior
to the typical cocoa powder and sugary hot cocoa often found in super markets. Branch Chain Amino
Acids (BCAAs) were added to stabilize brain energy in low carb/low calories situations where the
BCAA can be converted to glucose and ketones as energy. Additionally BCAAs were used to maintain
muscle mass while on a low carb/low calorie diet. Glucomannan, a highly soluble fiber, was added to
promote satiety and inhibit cravings.

Biochemical Properties:

Cocoa (Theobroma cacoa) Theobromine, methylxanthine, anandamide, phenylethylaminem,

flavonoids
BCAA: L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine
Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac): Soluble, fermentable and highly viscous polysaccharide.

Mechanism of Action:
Theobroma cocoa (Cocoa): Although the exact mechanism of action has not been solidified, studies
have shown dark chocolate >70% and cocoa powder reduce cravings and suppress appetite through
inducing Glucagon-like protein 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK) and reducing ghrelin levels1. Dark
chocolate and cocoa intake has also been shown to reduce satiety and energy intake2, which is suspected
to be induced by its ability to improve insulin sensitivity3,4.

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA): Leucine, valine and isoleucine have demonstrated anti-diabetic
effects. Although the mechanism has not be cemented BCAAs have increased insulin sensitivity and
attenuated post-prandial blood glucose levels. The mechanism expected includes lowering the glycemic
response to glucose5,6. This has been shown to reduce catabolism of skeletal muscle through glucosealanine recycling7. Fat reduction associated with BCAA intake may be contributed to the ability of
BCAAs, specifically leucine, to increase mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathways.
Thus, promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis was exhibited with enhacement of fatty acid oxidation8.
Additionally, like cocoa and glucomannan, BCAAs induce CCK and GLP-1 in the gut promoting
satiation and reducing hunger9. On a basic biochemical approach, BCAAs are gluconeogenic and
ketogenic, therefore they can be used in low energy and low carbohydrate states to subdue hunger,

provide the brain with essential glucose and ketones without impacting carbohydrate and total calorie
intake10.

Amorphophallus konjac (Glucomannan): This highly soluble viscous fiber delays gastric emptying and
decreases the glycemic index of foods by slowing glucose delivery, delaying insulin response and
reducing prandial ghrelin production11,12. In addition it has been shown to increase CCK and GLP-1
which decreased appetite13. These mechanism explain the weight loss and craving reductions seen with
glucomannan intake14.

Dosage and Administration:

Dose: 1 scoop (8.1 g)
Administration:
Before meals: Craving cocoa can be taken before meals to reduce the amount of food
intake at mealtime and to reduce postprandial cravings. Taken in the morning it can be used to prevent
hunger and cravings throughout the day.
After meals: May be taken after meals to reduce the sense of dissatisfaction or perceived
hunger than may occur after meals.
Substitute meals: Craving Cocoa can be used as a snack or meal replacement in times
when a complete meal is not convenient or possible. It will help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce
the urge to consume sugary foods often seen with hypoglycemia or insulin spikes.

Contraindications/Cautions:

Not intended for use in those under 18.

Although Metabolic Effect does not list any contraindications, possible cautions include:

Cocoa:
o Allergy
o Should be avoided in individuals with sitosterolemia15
o May promote epistaxis is those with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia16
o Darkchocolateistobeavoided,duetoitshighcontentofmanganese,byindividuals
withacomplexdisorderofdystonia/parkinsonism,hypermanganesemia,polycythemia,

andchronicliverdisease.17
o AvoidwithOrofacialgranulomatosis18
BCAA
o Individuals with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) should consume BCAAs with
caution as one study showed an increased mortality risk compared to placebo19.
o The available research indicates BCAAs are generally well tolerated.
Glucomannan
o Possible bloating, upset stomach, flatulence and gastric discomfort.
o At doses 2-4g daily, glucomannan has been shown to be well tolerated20.

References:
1.

Massolt ET, van Haard PM, Rehfeld JF, Posthuma EF, van der Veer E, Schweitzer DH. Appetite
suppression through smelling of dark chocolate correlates with changes in ghrelin in young
women. Regul Pept. 2010;161:81-86. doi:10.1016/j.regpep.2010.01.005.

2.

Akyol A, Dasgin H, Ayaz A, Buyuktuncer Z, Besler HT. -Glucan and Dark Chocolate: A
Randomized Crossover Study on Short-Term Satiety and Energy Intake. Nutrients.
2014;6(9):3863-3877. doi:10.3390/nu6093863.

3.

Hooper L, Kay C, Abdelhamid A, et al. Effects of chocolate , cocoa , and flavan-3-ols on

cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials 1 3. Online.
2012;95:740-751. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.023457.INTRODUCTION.

4.

Shrime MG, Bauer SR, McDonald AC, Chowdhury NH, Coltart CEM, Ding EL. Flavonoid-Rich
Cocoa Consumption Affects Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Meta-Analysis of ShortTerm Studies. J Nutr. 2011;141:1982-1988. doi:10.3945/jn.111.145482.

5.

Kalogeropoulou D, LaFave L, Schweim K, Gannon MC, Nuttall FQ. Leucine, when ingested with
glucose, synergistically stimulates insulin secretion and lowers blood glucose. Metabolism.
2008;57:1747-1752. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2008.09.001.

6.

Nilsson M, Holst JJ, Bjorck IM. Metabolic effects of amino acid mixtures and whey protein in
healthy subjects: studies using glucose-equivalent drinks. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:996-1004.
doi:85/4/996 [pii].

7.

Layman DK, Walker DA. Potential Importance of Leucine in Treatment of Obesity and the
Metabolic Syndrome. J Nutr. 2006;136:319S - 323. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/1/319S.full.

8.

Duan Y, Li F, Liu H, Liu Y. Potential Importance of Leucine in Treatment of Obesity and the
Metabolic Syndrome. Front Biosci Landmark. 2015;20:796-813.

9.

Chen Q, Reimer RA. Dairy protein and leucine alter GLP-1 release and mRNA of genes involved
in intestinal lipid metabolism in vitro. Nutrition. 2009;25:340-349. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2008.08.012.

10.

Michale L, Marks AD, Peet A. Marks Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach. 2nd ed.
Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004:762-777.

11.

Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Owen R, et al. Beneficial effects of viscous dietary fiber from Konjacmannan in subjects with the insulin resistance syndrome: results of a controlled metabolic trial.
Diabetes Care . 2000;23 (1 ):9-14. doi:10.2337/diacare.23.1.9.

12.

Chearskul S, Kriengsinyos W, Kooptiwut S, et al. Immediate and long-term effects of

glucomannan on total ghrelin and leptin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Res Clin Pract.
2009;83. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2008.11.014.

13.

Sukkar SG, Vaccaro A, Ravera GB, et al. Appetite control and gastrointestinal hormonal behavior
(CCK, GLP-1, PYY 1-36) following low doses of a whey protein-rich nutraceutic. Med J
Nutrition Metab. 2013;6:259-266. doi:10.1007/s12349-013-0121-7.

14.

Birketvedt GS, Shimshi M, Erling T, Florholmen J. Experiences with Three Different Fiber
Supplements in Weight Reduction.; 2005:PI5-I8.

15.

Merkens L, Myrie S, Steiner R. Sitosterolemia. GeneReviews. 2013.

16.

Silva BM, Hosman AE, Devlin HL, Shovlin CL. Lifestyle and dietary influences on nosebleed
severity in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Laryngoscope. 2013;123:1092-1099.
doi:10.1002/lary.23893.

17.

Tuschl K, Clayton PT, Gospe SM, Mills PB. Dystonia/Parkinsonism, Hypermanganesemia,

Polycythemia, and Chronic Liver Disease. In: GeneReviews.; 1993.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22934317.

18.

Fitzpatrick L, Healy CM, McCartan BE, Flint SR, McCreary CE, Rogers S. Patch testing for
food-associated allergies in orofacial granulomatosis. J Oral Pathol Med. 2011;40:10-13.
doi:10.1111/j.1600-0714.2010.00957.x.

19.

Manuel M, Heckman CJ. Stronger is not always better: could a bodybuilding dietary supplement
lead to ALS? Exp Neurol. 2011;228(1):5-8. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.12.007.

20.

Keithley J, Swanson B. Glucomannan and obesity: A critical review. Altern Ther Health Med.
2005;11:30-34.