Tag: Theobromine poisoning

While commonly known for its danger to pets, the compound in chocolate responsible for its toxicity, theobromine, is also technically toxic to humans. This leads to a natural and important question: Can humans get chocolate toxicity? The short answer is yes, but it is extremely difficult to achieve due to the large quantities required and our efficient metabolism.

Did you know that the chemical in chocolate that is toxic to dogs is also toxic to humans in large doses? However, the amount of chocolate it takes to make you sick is extraordinarily high, so while it is technically possible, a fatal overdose in humans is incredibly rare.

While typically associated with positive effects like mood enhancement and cardiovascular support in moderate amounts, a high concentration of theobromine can cause toxicity. This alkaloid is found in cocoa products, and ingesting too much theobromine can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe complications.

For humans, the estimated lethal dose (LD50) of theobromine, the primary compound in chocolate, is extremely high—around 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means the question of how much dark chocolate is toxic to humans is largely theoretical, as a fatal overdose requires an almost impossible amount to consume.