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| - Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that chocolate cravings indicate magnesium deficiency. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post suggests that an “insatiable urge” to binge on chocolate is likely due to magnesium deficiency. It recommends magnesium supplementation or foot soaks with magnesium chloride and promotes eating “cadmium-free” dark chocolate with raw honey as a remedy.
Fact Check
Do chocolate cravings mean magnesium deficiency?
Not really. While chocolate contains magnesium, craving it is not a reliable sign of magnesium deficiency. Cravings are often driven by emotional triggers, stress, cultural influences, or the brain’s reward system, which makes us desire sweet and fatty foods. Chocolate’s taste, texture, and smell can make it feel addictive for some people. It also contains chemicals that boost mood, which is why eating it feels good.
There is also evidence that women may experience stronger chocolate cravings before or during their periods due to hormonal changes. Chocolate cravings during periods are often seen as a go-to comfort, but are chocolates during periods really the ultimate rescue? While many believe calories don’t count during periods, it’s essential to remember that moderation still matters, and indulging too much can affect your overall health.
Some people believe they crave chocolate because their body needs magnesium, but this lacks strong scientific evidence. Cravings are usually a mix of chocolate’s sensory appeal, its effects on the brain, and hormonal changes—not a sign of nutrient deficiency.
We reached out to Dr Roma Kumar, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Max Hospital in New Delhi, to learn what causes chocolate cravings. She explains, “Chocolate cravings are often complex and multifaceted, involving more than just a potential magnesium deficiency. For instance, if an individual is stressed and resorts to emotional eating and consumes chocolate as a way to cope with stress or low mood. If this becomes a pattern, the brain’s reward system may reinforce chocolate cravings further. It could also be driven by boredom or a desire for comfort in difficult times. Thus, this craving is more like a response to certain situations than a physiological need for magnesium. Also, if this was true then other food sources like nuts, seeds, spinach, and legumes containing more magnesium per serving would be craved more. Hence, if magnesium deficiency were the sole driver, people might naturally crave these other magnesium-rich foods, which suggests other factors are at play.”
Moreover, magnesium deficiency is rare in healthy individuals because the kidneys help retain magnesium. However, it can occur due to low dietary intake, certain health conditions, chronic alcoholism, or specific medications. Early symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and weakness. Severe cases can cause muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythms, and low calcium or potassium levels. Importantly, credible health sources do not list chocolate cravings as a symptom of magnesium deficiency.
Furthermore, if you want to increase your magnesium levels, focus on healthier options like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains. Although dark chocolate contains magnesium, its sugar and fat content make it less suitable as a primary source. If you choose chocolate, opt for a sugar-free version with a higher cocoa percentage. However, nutrient-rich foods like nuts and beans remain a more effective choice for addressing magnesium deficiency.
Can magnesium supplements stop chocolate cravings?
Well, the evidence is weak. Research has not proven that taking magnesium supplements will directly curb chocolate cravings. Magnesium supplements are only useful if you are diagnosed with a deficiency.
If your cravings are linked to emotional or behavioural triggers, strategies like stress management, addressing your feelings, recognising emotional eating habits, and maintaining a balanced diet are far more effective.
Also, be cautious with magnesium supplements. Taking too much can cause side effects like diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements.
Dr Roma Kumar adds, “Magnesium plays a critical role in energy production, muscle relaxation, sleep, and mood regulation. A deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and negative affect. However, there is limited evidence directly linking magnesium deficiency to specific cravings, including chocolate. While chocolate contains magnesium, no conclusive evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency directly causes chocolate cravings. People who are magnesium deficient might intuitively crave chocolate, but this is only one possible explanation. In conclusion, magnesium supplements may help if a deficiency is present, but addressing the emotional and unhealthy patterns behind cravings is equally important.”
We connected with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, for her take on chocolate cravings and magnesium deficiency. She says, “Chocolate cravings don’t automatically indicate a magnesium deficiency. While chocolate contains magnesium, emotional triggers, stress, or the brain’s natural desire for sweet and comforting foods more commonly drive cravings. Remember that many factors, not just a lack of nutrients, can influence cravings.”
We spoke with Deepalakshmi Sriram, Registered Dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre and Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, for her take on magnesium supplements for chocolate cravings. She explains, “Magnesium supplements are unlikely to stop chocolate cravings on their own. It supports health and many body functions. However, emotions, stress, or the brain’s desire for sweet, comforting foods usually drive cravings. Addressing the underlying causes of cravings, such as stress management and a balanced diet, is usually more effective than relying solely on supplements.”
Is cadmium-free dark chocolate healthier?
Yes, but for reasons unrelated to magnesium. Cadmium is a toxic metal found in some dark chocolates. Choosing low-cadmium chocolate is better for long-term health as it reduces the risk of heavy metal build-up in your body.
However, cadmium-free chocolate does not address cravings or boost magnesium intake. It’s simply a safer option if you eat dark chocolate regularly.
Does raw honey help with magnesium absorption?
Not really. Raw honey is a natural sweetener and contains antioxidants, but it does not enhance your body’s ability to absorb magnesium. While honey does contain small amounts of magnesium, pairing it with chocolate does not significantly improve magnesium intake or absorption.
THIP Media Take
The claim that chocolate cravings indicate magnesium deficiency is mostly false. There’s no strong evidence that magnesium supplements, specific chocolates, or raw honey can address these cravings. If you’re concerned about your magnesium levels, consult a healthcare provider for guidance. They can suggest magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens. Cravings are often driven by emotions or habits, not deficiencies, so managing stress and eating a balanced diet can help control chocolate cravings.
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