Chocolate contains caffeine. Caffeine intake up to 300 mg per day is generally safe for healthy adults. Older patients or those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease should avoid more than 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages per day (no more than 100-200 mg of cafeine intake per day). One cup of coffee contains on average, about 100 mg of caffeine. Each standard sized milk chocolate bar such as Hershey’s contains about 10 mg of caffeine, and each standard size dark chocolate bar contains about 31 mg of caffeine. Standard caffeine intake is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and AMA but can be dangerous with adverse effects such as high bp, stroke, and arrythmias reported. If more than 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages are consumed per day, it is prudent to seek physician and/or pharmacist approval of caffeine consumption with any medications or supplements. Cocoa and chocolate also contains theobromine which is known to act as a stimulant, vasodilator, and diuretic (21). Theobromine and cocoa may intensify the blood pressure lowering effects of any blood pressure medications.
Choline for an Asthma Natural Supplement
Asthma natural supplements for adults with allergies include choline. Gupta and Gaur evaluated choline for its effect upon control of asthma. There were 3 adult groups tested which included a placebo group, a group taking 500 mg of choline, and a group taking 1000 mg of choline. There was statistically significant improvement in multiple asthma parameters with the greatest improvement seen in the choline group on the higher dose. Choline was noted to improve the following asthma parameters: There was a statistically significant decrease in asthma medications for the high dose choline group. There were less frequent asthma symptoms and more days without symptoms in both choline groups. The authors expressed that choline is a promising preventive agent for asthma and that further confirmation studies should be done. (22)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Asthma Control
Omega 3 fish oil is one of the well known asthma natural supplements for adults with allergies. Yang H et al performed a meta analysis and systematic review of omega-3 fatty acid consumption and their relationship to asthma. Studies suggest that both consumption of fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, and supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may reduce the risk of asthma possibly as high as 30%, but research is not conclusive at this point and requires further investigation. Consumption of fish with omega 3 fatty acids and supplements containing fish oil appears to have more benefits than risk, and is worthwhile to see if it makes a difference in symptoms of asthma.(23)