Ralph EspositoNutrition 4 Dr. RosenbergerFunction Food Analysis: Metabolic Effect Craving Cocoa

Supplemental FactsServing Size: 1 scoop (8.1g)Calories: 30Calories from Fat: 5Total Fat: 0.5 gTotal Carbohydrates: 5gDietary Fiber (Glucomannan): 3gProtein: 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 glucose-alanine 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: Allergy Should be avoided in individuals with sitosterolemia15 May promote epistaxis is those with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia16 Dark chocolate is to be avoided, due to its high content of manganese, by individuals with a complex disorder of dystonia/parkinsonism, hypermanganesemia, polycythemia, and chronic liver disease.17 Avoid with Orofacial granulomatosis 18 BCAA Individuals with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) should consume BCAAs with caution as one study showed an increased mortality risk compared to placebo19. The available research indicates BCAAs are generally well tolerated. Glucomannan Possible bloating, upset stomach, flatulence and gastric discomfort. 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 Short-Term 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 Konjac-mannan 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.