Cocoa during pregnancy: what you should consider

There is often uncertainty about whether cocoa is allowed during pregnancy. We have researched for you why caution with this treat is advisable and what is completely harmless or even recommendable.

Cocoa during pregnancy: caffeine and theobromine

You can also enjoy cocoa during pregnancy. However, you should be careful not to eat or drink too much of it. You can treat yourself to two cups a day without hesitation. The caffeine contained in a large amount can be critical.

• You also consume caffeine with cocoa - but far less than with coffee. It is around 140 milligrams in a cup of filter coffee, and the same amount of cocoa drink is only about 8 to a maximum of 35 milligrams.
• Caffeine reaches the fetus freely through the placenta. The unborn child does not yet have the body's own equipment to break down caffeine. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) rated the dose of 200 milligrams of caffeine as non-critical throughout the day.
• Take about 140 milligrams of the alkaloid theobromine contained in cocoa with a cup of cocoa. It also stimulates the central nervous system, but much more gently than caffeine. Theobromine even has a reputation for being able to lower blood pressure.
• Theobromine could even have an extremely positive effect on pregnant women. Various studies have shown that the alkaloid reduces the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia (gestosis). However, the studies do not yet allow a final recommendation.

What is still in cocoa products and has meaning

In addition to the known stimulating alkaloids, catechins and procyanidins are also included. These are considered positive for the heart and circulation. Nevertheless, there are other substances in cocoa that do not all have a positive balance:

• There is so much oxalic acid in cocoa that calcium intake can be inhibited. In fact, this is a problem unless there are additional calcium suppliers in the meal.
• However, if the cocoa is drunk with plenty of milk or a plant drink enriched with calcium, the inhibition of calcium absorption is put into perspective. However, as a pregnant woman you should not exaggerate with cocoa for this reason, because you now need a lot of this bone building material.
• Another reason to be cautious about cocoa consumption during pregnancy is the sometimes high cadmium content. This applies particularly to fine Criollo cocoa and cocoa that grows on the volcanic soils of South America.
• Since 2019, new limits have been set for the maximum permissible cadmium content in cocoa and chocolates: 0.8 mg / kg is the maximum value for chocolate with a cocoa content of 50 percent and 0.6 mg / kg for cocoa powder.
• Nevertheless: Because cadmium can damage the kidneys and promote cancer, you should also keep your child safe with dark chocolate during pregnancy.
• Many chocolate drinks not only contain cocoa, but all the more sugar. It is well known that too much of this is not recommended - even more so during pregnancy when there is a risk of gestational diabetes.
• It's best to stir your cocoa yourself with cocoa powder and only a little sweetness, then you are on the safe side.
• In addition, pay attention to the high quality of your cocoa - ideally in organic quality. The best way to protect yourself, your child and the environment from too much pesticides. It is also worthwhile to ensure fair production.