What Does Theobromine Do In Pre Workout?

Whether you’re new to pre workout supplements or you’ve been taking them for a while, one ingredient you’ll notice on most is theobromine. But what does it actually do, and why is it so commonly used in pre workouts?

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the role theobromine plays in pre workout, along with its benefits, side effects, and when and how to take it.

What Is Theobromine?

Like many pre workout ingredients, theobromine is a naturally-occurring compound and is found in cacao beans, the very thing that goes into making dark chocolate. As a xanthine alkaloid, it is very similar to caffeine and, when mixed with other stimulants, has the potential to give you increased energy and better mental alertness throughout your gym workouts.

However, one of the biggest advantages that theobromine supplements have over caffeine is that it is gentler and provides a steadier state of focus over a longer period of time. It also doesn’t spike heart rate or blood pressure in the same way that caffeine does, but provides almost the same benefits. This not only makes it a great fitness supplement but means it is often used to treat high blood pressure.

What Are The Benefits Of Theobromine In Pre Workout Supplements?

As well as the usual increased focus and increased motivation you’d expect, there are a few other benefits to taking pre workouts that have theobromine among its ingredients. These include:

Fat Oxidation

Theobromine is able to boost your metabolism in a way that is similar to caffeine, which results in being able to pull more energy from fat reserves during a workout. This makes it a good supplement for people looking to lose weight or an alternative to other fat burners that haven’t performed as well as they’d have liked.

Reduced Inflammation

Another thing that theobromine is able to do is reduce exercise-induced inflammation, which helps aid in muscle recovery and muscle growth. In turn, you may be able to increase the intensity of your workouts over a shorter period of time, reaching your goals faster in the process.

Stimulant Effects

Theobromine is one of the milder stimulants you’ll find in pre workout, especially compared to caffeine. However, it is able to provide almost identical effects without any crashing or jitteriness in the central nervous system, as well as a prolonged boost of energy rather than an immediate spike.

Improved Mood

Since theobromine is derived from cacao, it has similar effects as dark chocolate, boosting our mood through increased dopamine production and, in turn, boosting motivation throughout a workout.

Increased Blood Flow

As well as being a stimulant, theobromine is a vasodilator. This means it is capable of increasing blood flow from the blood vessels to the muscles, which, in turn, delivers more oxygen to them throughout a workout. This results in enhanced performance and endurance without the negative effects of caffeine stimulation. For this reason, it is also sometimes used as a supplement to help lower blood pressure.

What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Theobromine?

This entirely depends on your own tolerances and sensitivity to pre workouts, and it’s important that you check the recommended dosage in line with your body weight and personal fitness goals.

However, most people find that a 250mg dose of theobromine per day is enough to feel the benefits. The best thing to do is to start with a smaller dose, see how that affects your body, and increase the dose over time if you feel the need to.

How Should You Take Theobromine?

Unlike many other supplements, theobromine can either be taken on its own or paired with food. Many people find that it gets to work faster when taken with food as the body has something to help process it, while others prefer to take it on an empty stomach. It really is a case of personal choice.

It is extremely important to remember, however, that you should take pre workouts that have theobromine among their ingredients in the way recommended on the packaging.

When Should You Take Theobromine?

As theobromine provides a steadier release of energy, it’s best to take it around an hour before your workout. It is also better used for long-duration workouts, such as distance running or cycling, compared to a workout like HIIT, which would require an immediate energy boost.

Where Can I Buy Pre Workout Supplements With Theobromine In?

You can find theobromine in the following pre workouts listed below. Each of these is available to purchase from Power Supps, and they are considered to be among the best pre workouts with theobromine on the market today.

• Merica Labz F-BOMB
• Inception Labs Valor
• BPM Las Annihilate.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Theobromine Supplementation?

While there are many theobromine benefits, some people may suffer from side effects when taking it, especially if they start with higher doses.

One of the side effects of taking theobromine supplements and pre workouts that have theobromine as a main ingredient include nausea and headaches, while others may experience increased sweating. This is due to its stimulant effects and, while not as intense as caffeine, can be a shock to those who aren’t used to taking a dietary supplement.

Tachycardia is another potential side effect of taking theobromine, as its stimulant properties cause an increase in heart rate.

Final Thoughts On Theobromine In Pre Workout Supplements

Improved focus and improved endurance are just a couple of the things you can expect when taking a pre workout that includes theobromine. It is as beneficial as certain cocoa products, such as dark chocolate, but without the excess sugar, and this, paired with its fat oxidation abilities, makes it one of the best pre workout choices for those looking to lose weight. It’s also great for keeping your blood pressure in check throughout a workout and, unlike caffeine, won’t result in a crash.