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language
eng
Author
Sugimoto, Naotoshi Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
Katakura, Masanori
Description
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
Subject
dark chocolate
theobromine
nerve growth factor
cognitive function
subchronic effect
young-adult
Stroop color word test
digital cancellation test
Journal Title
Nutrients
Volume
11
Issue
11
ISSN
2072-6643
Published Date
2019-11-16
DOI
Publisher
MDPI
NII Type
Journal Article
Format
PDF
Text Version
出版社版
Gyoseki ID
e37054
OAI-PMH Set
Faculty of Medicine