People mainly take Theobromine for focus, energy. Based on 18 first-hand reports and 12 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #806 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 50% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: In conclusion, some animal studies underlined the beneficial effects of caffeine, at regular doses consumed by humans, on CRC. However, current epidemiological evidence does not support an association between caffeine intake and the risk of CRC.
PubMed 33206095 ↗Conclusion: Given the substantial burden of sepsis, NEC, and CLD in high-risk preterm neonates, and the findings of this systematic review, pentoxifylline needs to be evaluated urgently as a preventative and therapeutic agent for these conditions in randomized controlled trials that can detect minimal clinically significant effect sizes. Further clinical and experimental studies are also necessary to evaluate whether pentoxifylline is safe and effective in meconium aspiration syndrome and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
PubMed 20799759 ↗Conclusion: The use of theobromine increases the microhardness of dental enamel subjected to a demineralization process, thus being effective in the remineralization of this tissue with success equivalent to that obtained with the use of fluoride.
PubMed 38987932 ↗Conclusion: There is not enough evidence to assess adequately the effectiveness and safety of methylxanthines after acute ischaemic stroke.
PubMed 15266424 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“Zero crash. Vasodilation instead of vasoconstriction with caffeine ... I can perform at a high level, heart rate and BP low, clear head, no headache”
“supplementing theobromine before the crash and see if it prolongs the desired effects.”
“Don't underestimate the effect of theobromine, either. Caffeine and theobromine work together in a marvelous way.”
“other substances from this family would fit the bill, such as theobromine and theophylline”
“theobromine from dark chocolate”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate