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