chocolate and constipation

[Haydu, Suzanne (DHS-MCH)]

Doesn't chocolate have a laxative effect?

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Suzanne Haydu, MPH, RD
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-----Original Message-----
From: walter.lopez at limagrain.com [mailto:walter.lopez at limagrain.com]
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2001 8:56 AM
To: Public Health Nutrition Discussion and Information Group
Subject: chocolate and constipation


Hi,

I am a french PhD nutritionist and I have a question about chocolate.

A massive consumption of (plain or black or milk) chocolate leads to
decreased intestinal transit. Nevertheless, cocoa is rich in magnesium
(magnesium has laxative effect) and polyphenols (like Mg, tannins increases
intestinal transit). Why do chocolate induce constipation ? Due to high
content in lipids ?

Thank you for the reply,

Best regards,

Walter LOPEZ