Hi! A question was asked by somone on this list about a month ago
about the caffeine level of chocolate. I'm on another list for food
allergies, and here is what they quoted. Thought you chocolate-lovers
on the list would like to know. If this is too off topic, is there
another way I could have answered my no-milk listmate's question when
I don't remember who asked?
<Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 13:29:38 -0400
<From: "Dirk Hehman" <[log in to unmask]>
<Subject: FAST: re: chocolate

<Just a little note re: the ongoing discussions about chocolate -
First, please NOTE THAT I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
AND DO NOT CLAIM TO BE ONE ... THANKS!! :)  -
*probably* more addicting than the caffeine levels in chocolate
is the naturally-occurring amino acid Phenylalanine, also known as
the "love chemical" because it's secreted or "created" (somehow, I'm
NOT
a scientist either!!!) in higher amounts when  we fall in love.

According to the COOL book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"
by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.,
"Once in the body, it [phenylalanine] can be converted into another
amino
acid, tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two key
neurotransmitters that promote alertness: dopamine and
norephinephrine.  Because of its
relationship to the action of the central nervous system, this amino
acid
can elevate mood, decrease pain [often found in pain relief meds], aid
in
memory and learning, and suppress the appetite.  It can be used to
treat
arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity,
Parkinson's
disease, and schizophrenia."
"Phenylalanine is available in three different forms, designated L-,
D-,
and DL-.  The L- form is the most common type, and is the form in
which
phenylalanine is incorporated into the body's proteins.  The D- type
acts as a
painkiller.  The DL- form is a combination of the D- and the L-.  Like
the D- form, it is
effective for controlling pain, especially the pain of arthritis; like
the L-form, it
functions as a building block for proteins, increases mental
alertness, suppresses the
appetite, and helps people with Parkinson's disease.  It has been used
to alleviate
the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and various types of
chronic pain."

So, for those of us who have cravings for chocolate, Phenylalanine
supplements can be purchased at most specialty vitamin or healthfood
stores (use the
L-form).
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING AND CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR PRIOR TO
USING!!  According to Balch & Balch, "Supplemental phenylalanine
should NOT
be taken by pregnant women or by people who suffer anxiety attacks,
diabetes,
high blood pressure, phenylketonuria (PKU), or preexisting pigmented
melanoma, a type of skin cancer."

Also note that since phenylalanine increases alertness, try taking
doses at
breakfast and perhaps at noon, but no later so that it does not cause
insomnia!!!>

Hope that helped! cm