You’ve probably heard all about the benefits of theobromine. If not, it’s so much more than one of the primary compounds in chocolate. It may bring relief to those in need of cardiovascular, cognitive, and respiratory support.
Its main use in supplements, though, is for mild, long-lasting energy. It’s often referred to as caffeine’s milder cousin, as it provides a subtle lift without the jitters. But are there any theobromine side effects you should be aware of before adding it to your stack?
We want to be clear in saying that the side effects of theobromine are mild and rare. Most people find themselves tolerating it very well, especially with the right dose, of the right product, at the right time.
We’ll talk more about those caveats below so you can enjoy all theobromine has to offer without worrying about adverse effects. Just know that these side effects can occur if you’re not careful:
- Digestive discomfort
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Restlessness or insomnia
- Potential for mild anxiety or jitters
- Frequent urination and dehydration
Again, though, you don’t need to stress about these when you use our products at Tabs as directed. From our Sex Chocolate to our Energy Tabs and Mood Tabs, discover all that theobromine can do for you today!
Overview and Benefits of Theobromine
Before we get into the potential side effects of theobromine we want to start with the good. This naturally occurring compound found in chocolate belongs to the methylxanthine family, the same class as caffeine.
The difference between theobromine vs caffeine comes down to how much gentler theobromine is, though. Do you want sustained energy without the wired feeling? Try theobromine and say goodbye to harsh jitters and sudden crashes.
The way it works is by mildly stimulating the central nervous system, increasing alertness in all the right ways without overdoing it. Theobromine can also help widen blood vessels to support better cardiovascular health and muscle recovery.
However, some use theobromine just to ease mental tension and enhance their mood since it may interact with neurotransmitters. It may even have mild bronchodilatory effects to help you breathe easier.
You may be wondering, what’s the catch? Is theobromine addictive? While caffeine can cause dependency in addition to its side effects, theobromine is non-habit forming. It’s a great addition to pre-workouts, nootropic blends, or any mood-enhancing products.
That’s not to say there aren’t any theobromine side effects you need to watch out for, though.
What are the Side Effects of Theobromine?
Just as with the kanna extract side effects, we want to make it crystal clear that most people have nothing to worry about when it comes to side effects of theobromine. It’s generally regarded as safe - with two key caveats:
- You use it as directed in the right dose for your intended goal.
- You take a high-quality theobromine supplement from a trusted brand.
That said, certain individuals with pre-existing conditions may experience minor side effects, and you should know about these if you fall into one of these categories.
Digestive Discomfort
We’ve seen mild stomach upset, nausea, or bloating reported as the most common side effects of theobromine. This is typically the result of taking too high a dose on an empty stomach.
It makes sense when you think about it. Theobromine relaxes smooth muscles, including those in the digestive tract. So if you have a sensitive stomach, we suggest pairing theobromine with food.
Increased Heart Rate or Blood Pressure
Theobromine is a vasodilator which means it can widen the blood vessels. This can be a good thing for those trying to speed up muscle recovery or lower blood pressure, but it can also have the opposite intended effect sometimes.
This is something that needs to be taken into consideration if you have a sensitive cardiovascular system as high doses could lead to blood pressure spikes, or at the very least, increase your heart rate.
Now, it won’t be nearly as severe as the effect you’d get from caffeine - but if you have existing heart conditions or are particularly sensitive to stimulants, be advised.
Restlessness or Insomnia
It’s true that theobromine is far less stimulating than caffeine, but taking it too close to bed can still trigger insomnia and restlessness. If you already have trouble falling asleep as it is, make sure you’re not taking theobromine in the evening.
Our Sleep Tabs are also a great way to defend against this side effect. The formulation contains L-theanine, Valerian Root, California Poppy, Kanna, Saffron, and even Melatonin to help you drift away to dreamland!
Potential for Mild Anxiety or Jitters
Again, we want to be clear in saying that this side effect is mild and rare - and in comparison to caffeine, it’s almost not even worth mentioning. However, theobromine may cause a slight sense of nervousness in some individuals at higher doses or when combined with other stimulants.
So if you’re prone to anxiety or overstimulation, don’t get carried away. Start with a low dose and consider combining it with L-theanine for a sense of balance.
Frequent Urination and Dehydration
Since it’s a mild diuretic, theobromine may have you running to the bathroom more frequently. This is similar to the effect caffeine has on some individuals, though it’s less intense.
This diuretic effect can also cause dehydration, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes) to offset this concern.
Who Should Be Cautious with Theobromine?
Ultimately, only a small group of people need to be worried about the theobromine side effects. Chances are, you don’t fall into one of those groups - but they include:
- People with heart conditions: Theobromine’s mild stimulating effects can have a more pronounced impact if you have an irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure
- Those with sleep difficulties: Avoid taking theobromine in the evening if you’re sensitive to stimulants. Anytime after 2-3 P.M, you’re running the risk of dealing with restlessness.
- Individuals prone to anxiety: Pairing theobromine with calming ingredients can help reduce any overstimulation - try L-theanine or kanna.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: While theobromine is considered safe in small amounts, always check with a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
At the end of the day most people can enjoy theobromine safely - you just need to find the right dosage, product, and timing for your needs. We’ll share some tips below.
Tips to Enjoy Theobromine Safely
Theobromine can be a powerful addition to your self-care and wellness ritual when used correctly, be it for a gentle lift during the day or to help you feel more present in social settings. Maximizing benefits starts with figuring out how much theobromine to take.
Finding the Right Dosage for Your Needs
Your optimal dosage depends on your experience with theobromine, your goals, and how your body responds to stimulants in general. Newcomers should start at the lower end of the dosing spectrum at 50-100mg. You can gradually increase from there as needed.
Most people find 100-300mg per serving is the sweet spot for a smooth, sustained boost without jitters. Be aware that these recommendations are just for theobromine. If you’re introducing caffeine or other supporting ingredients there are more moving pieces.
Tabs has made it easy to dose your theobromine intake without the guesswork. Simply place one tab on your tongue, let it dissolve, and feel the effects as soon as 5-10 minutes!
When to Take Theobromine for the Best Effects
Timing is everything when taking theobromine, especially for avoiding the theobromine side effects related to insomnia and restlessness. It has a longer half-life than caffeine at 6-8 hours, so here are some of the best times to use it:
- Morning use for a smooth energy boost without jitters.
- Midday pick-me-ups for a better alternative to an afternoon coffee that won’t disrupt sleep.
- Pre-workout to support endurance for better workouts.
- Social settings to enhance mood for deeper conversations and connections
What matters most is timing your intake relative to when you go to bed. Avoid taking it too late in the day. Anytime within 4-6 hours of your bedtime is cutting it close.
Choosing High-Quality Theobromine Products
The best thing you can do to mitigate the side effects of theobromine is to get the right products. The unfortunate reality is that most supplements fall short in dosing transparency and ingredient quality.
So, look for a brand that goes above and beyond to provide clearly labeled doses so you know exactly what you’re getting. Make sure the formulation is free of artificial additives that dilute the benefits or introduce side effects of their own.
Better yet, see if you can find a solution containing complementary ingredients to supercharge theobromine’s effects. This is what we’ve done for our customers here at Tabs, your one-stop shop for products to elevate life’s most important moments and everyday occurrences alike.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of enjoying theobromine with the most convenient consumption method on the market. Simply let a tab dissolve on your tongue and enjoy! Here are three products we offer containing theobromine and other supporting cast members:
- Sex Chocolate: Elevate intimacy with cocoa, maca root, epimedium, and kanna, a blend that brings out heightened arousal, blood flow, and physical sensations.
- Energy Tabs: Get the boost you need without the jitters through this formula combining theobromine with organic green tea caffeine and kanna for focus, alertness, and a balanced mood.
- Mood Tabs: Find your zen and enjoy emotional balance with a carefully crafted blend of theobromine, kanna, and L-theanine, perfect for unwinding without drowsiness.
All our products are carefully crafted in the USA from premium, sustainably sourced ingredients. You can rest assured you’re getting a powerful addition to your self-care ritual with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. So, order today and enjoy theobromine without the side effects!
Final Words on the Theobromine Side Effects in Humans
The key takeaway as we wrap things up today is that the theobromine side effects in humans are rare - and oftentimes, the result of improper dosing, poor timing, or low-quality products. That's to say you can mitigate the side effects of theobromine with careful usage.
Start with a lower dose, think carefully about when it makes sense to use theobromine in your daily routine, and set yourself up for success at Tabs. Fuel your body and mind with theobromine at Tabs today!
Disclaimer: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and these statements haven't been evaluated by the FDA.