Researchers at King’s College London have established a significant correlation between theobromine, a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from cocoa, and indicators of epigenetic aging, positing its relevance to the human aging process.
Saad et al. demonstrate that the previously observed health and longevity benefits associated with theobromine consumption are reflected at the molecular epigenetic level in humans. Image credit: Sci.News.
“Beverages such as coffee and cocoa are frequently consumed and have been linked to a reduction in cardiovascular ailments and overall mortality,” stated lead author Dr. Ramy Saad and his collaborators.
“These substances share several key alkaloid constituents, including theobromine, caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine, and 7-methylxanthine.”
“While theobromine and 7-methylxanthine are secondary metabolites of caffeine, they are also found in considerably higher concentrations within cocoa, representing primary unprocessed compounds.”
“Previous investigations have posited connections between theobromine and various facets of health and the aging trajectory. For instance, studies conducted on model organisms have indicated a relationship between theobromine and an extended lifespan.”
“Moreover, a multitude of observational studies involving human cohorts have reported discernible links between the intake of theobromine and diverse indicators of enhanced well-being.”
“Notwithstanding these findings, the precise implications of theobromine for health and aging remain incompletely elucidated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these effects are largely unknown.”
Within the scope of this investigation, the research team undertook a comparative analysis of theobromine concentrations in human blood samples against blood-based biomarkers of biological senescence.
Examining two distinct European cohorts, comprising 509 individuals from the TwinsUK registry and 1,160 participants from KORA, the scientists observed that individuals exhibiting elevated levels of circulating theobromine in their bloodstream presented with a biological age that was demonstrably younger than their chronological age.
“Our research reveals an association between a principal constituent of dark chocolate and the preservation of a youthful state for an extended duration,” remarked Professor Jordana Bell, the senior author of the study.
“While we do not advocate for increased dark chocolate consumption, this inquiry can illuminate how commonly consumed foods may offer insights into achieving healthier, more enduring lives.”
The scientific team also investigated whether other metabolites present in cocoa and coffee exhibited analogous associations.
However, their findings indicated that this particular effect appeared to be exclusive to theobromine.
Two distinct methodologies were employed to ascertain the biological age of the study participants.
One method involved the examination of chemical modifications to DNA to estimate the rate of an individual’s aging process.
The other method involved the estimation of telomere length, which are protective structures situated at the terminal ends of chromosomes. Critically, shorter telomeres are associated with aging and the development of age-related pathologies.
“This represents a highly compelling discovery, and the subsequent pressing inquiries revolve around identifying the origins of this correlation and exploring further the interplay between dietary metabolites and our epigenome,” stated Dr. Saad.
“This investigative approach holds the potential to yield significant advancements not only in our understanding of aging but also in deciphering the etiologies of common and rare diseases.”
“This study delineates an additional molecular pathway through which naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa may contribute to health preservation,” commented Dr. Ricardo Costeira, a co-author of the research.
“While further investigation is warranted, the outcomes of this study underscore the inherent value of population-level analyses in the fields of aging and genetics.”
The results of this research were disseminated on December 10 in the esteemed journal Aging.
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Ramy Saad et al. Theobromine is associated with slower epigenetic ageing. Aging, published online December 10, 2025; doi: 10.18632/aging.206344
