Timing of chocolate consumption influences hunger, substrate oxidation, and microbiota: a randomized controlled trial

First published: June 23, 2021 https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202002770RR

Commentary

Eating chocolate in the morning or in the evening/night affects energy balance and influences body weight due to changes in energy intake, substrate oxidation, microbiota, and circadian related variables. Therefore, as a dieter, chocolate is one of the most important things to avoid.

According to this randomized controlled trial, postmenopausal women (n = 19) were asked to consume 100 g of chocolate in the morning (MC), evening/night (EC), or no chocolate (N) for two weeks and eat any other food.

The results stated that no weight gain was observed after 14 days of chocolate consumption. According to the results, the consumption of chocolate reduced hunger and did not fully compensate for the extra energy contribution of chocolate (542 kcal /day).

EC increased physical activity by + 6.9%, postprandial heat dissipation by + 1.3%, and carbohydrate oxidation by + 35.3% (P <.05).

MC also reduced fasting blood glucose (by 4.4%) and girth (by -1.7%) and increased lipid oxidation (by + 25.6%).

Principal component analysis showed that both timings of chocolate consumption resulted in different microbiota profiles and functions (P <.05).

There were also sleep episodes where ECs were less variable than MCs in terms of falling asleep.

In conclusion, 

consuming chocolate in the morning and evening/night produces different effects on hunger and appetite, substrate oxidation, fasting glucose, microbiota (composition and function), and sleep and temperature rhythms.

The results highlight that "when" we eat is a relevant factor to consider in energy balance and metabolism.