Clinical History:
- Two laboratory employees continue to argue with each other for weeks over petty issues such as organization of reagents in the supply cabinet, times for breaks, the length of labcoats, font sizes in the manuals, etc. Around other employees and the supervisor, these persons are sullen and morose. They have become less productive. One day the supervisor catches them in yet another argument. She takes them both into the break room and gives them each a big slice of German chocolate cake while they discuss their problems on the job. Everyone goes back to work happy.
- What is the explanation for these findings?
This is a classic case of chocolate deficiency. Chocolate is made up of lipids, but overall constitutes less than 2% of dietary fat in the U.S. The greatest sources of fat in the U.S. diet are meat (saturated animal fat), dairy products, and fried foods. Chocolate contains mild stimulants, including theobromine and caffeine, but in small quantities. There are over 300 chemicals in chocolate, some of which may have an antidepressant effect. Chocolate contains high levels of chemicals known as phenolics, some of which may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
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