Cocoa

Cocoa (in the form of dark chocolate) may improve the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

In animal models, cocoa may inhibit the function of type 2 T helper cells,  increase intestinal T lymphocyte count, and decrease secretory IgA.

Cocoa was also found to significantly increase Lactobacillus casei in pigs.

Chocolate contains phenylalanine, a dopamine precursor.

Mendus is running a small unblinded trial to assess cocoa in ME/CFS.

Prebiotic
Some evidence suggests dark chocolate may provide benefits to the gut microbiome.

Learn more

 * Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Polyphenols: From Biology to Clinical Applications 2017