Meta Information
ID:cocoa-flavanols
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa flavanols can inhibit platelet aggregation, which may have an additive effect with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before combining, especially at high doses, and monitor for signs of increased bruising or bleeding.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
The antiplatelet effects of cocoa flavanols can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue high-dose cocoa flavanol supplements at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Due to their inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, cocoa flavanols can increase bleeding risk in individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
Actionable advice:
Avoid high-dose cocoa flavanol supplements if you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa flavanols can lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide bioavailability and promoting vasodilation, which can have an additive effect with antihypertensive medications.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure closely when starting or increasing the dose of cocoa flavanols if you are on blood pressure medication.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa flavanols may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effects of diabetes medications and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels closely, especially when initiating cocoa flavanols, if you are taking medication for diabetes.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
8
Hours after target:
null
Description:
The stimulant compounds in cocoa, primarily caffeine and theobromine, can interfere with sleep onset and quality if consumed too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking cocoa flavanols within 8 hours of your intended bedtime.
Target id:
/class/iron-supplements
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The flavanols (a type of polyphenol) in cocoa can bind to non-heme iron in the gut, forming insoluble complexes and significantly reducing its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Separate cocoa flavanol intake from iron supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/history-of-kidney-stones
Target name:
History of Kidney Stones
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa products are a significant source of oxalates, which can bind with calcium to form kidney stones in individuals who are genetically or metabolically prone to them.
Actionable advice:
If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, consult your doctor before using cocoa products regularly.
Target id:
/intervention/theophylline
Target name:
Theophylline
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine, which are methylxanthines like theophylline. Co-administration can increase the pharmacological effects and potential toxicity of theophylline.
Actionable advice:
Avoid high doses of cocoa products if you are taking theophylline and discuss with your doctor.
Target id:
/class/maois
Target name:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Some cocoa products contain tyramine, which can interact with MAOI medications to cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis), though the risk is highest with large quantities.
Actionable advice:
Use caution and consume only small amounts of cocoa products if taking an MAOI medication.
Target id:
/class/calcium-rich-foods
Target name:
Dietary Calcium (Dairy)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
1
Description:
Milk proteins, particularly casein, may bind to cocoa flavanols in the gut, potentially reducing their absorption and bioavailability, although evidence is mixed.
Actionable advice:
For maximum flavanol absorption, consider consuming cocoa products separately from dairy products by at least 1 hour.
Target id:
/intervention/zinc
Target name:
Zinc
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Cocoa flavanols can mildly inhibit the absorption of zinc by forming complexes in the digestive tract, similar to their effect on iron.
Actionable advice:
Separate cocoa flavanol intake from zinc supplements by at least 2 hours for optimal absorption.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Consuming cocoa flavanols, especially in concentrated supplement form, with food can help prevent potential gastrointestinal upset that may occur on an empty stomach.
Actionable advice:
Take cocoa flavanols with a meal to improve gastrointestinal tolerance.
Target id:
/intervention/caffeine
Target name:
Caffeine
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa naturally contains caffeine and theobromine. Combining it with other sources of caffeine can lead to an increased risk of stimulant side effects like nervousness, jitteriness, and insomnia.
Actionable advice:
Be mindful of your total daily caffeine intake from all sources, including coffee, tea, and cocoa.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa flavanols' antiplatelet effects can be additive with other supplements that thin the blood, such as ginkgo, garlic, and high-dose fish oil, theoretically increasing bleeding risk.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining with other blood-thinning supplements, especially if you have a high bleeding risk.
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cocoa flavanols may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of supplements like berberine or cinnamon, potentially increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood sugar if you combine cocoa flavanols with other potent glucose-lowering supplements.
Target id:
/condition/gerd
Target name:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Theobromine, a compound in cocoa, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may worsen symptoms of acid reflux in susceptible individuals.
Actionable advice:
If you have GERD, monitor your symptoms and consider limiting intake if cocoa worsens them.