A chocolate craving often points to a magnesium deficiency, as the body seeks this mineral found in cocoa, but it can also signal needs for B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, or be driven by emotional stress for mood-boosting serotonin/dopamine. While some experts argue cravings signal deficiencies, others say they're more psychological, but increasing magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, spinach) or dark chocolate (70%+) can often help.
Chocolate – Chocolate cravings can indicate a hidden magnesium deficiency. If you frequently reach for chocolate, incorporate more magnesium-rich foods into your diet, such as nuts, spinach, raspberries, pumpkin seeds and raisins.
Deficiency or sweet tooth? Cravings for specific foods could be an indication of a deficiency in a micro or macro nutrient. In particular, a craving for chocolate could highlight a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral and is required for over 300 enzyme reactions in the body.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Cocoa is really nutrient dense with magnesium, iron and fiber. If you follow a plant-based diet, you might be craving chocolate if you're anemic or low in iron. Chocolate has a small amount of iron, but it's easy for your body to access.
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?
Vitamin D is increasingly recognized for its role in mood regulation and insulin sensitivity. Low levels are often associated with low mood or seasonal affective disorder, which can lead to comfort eating and sugar cravings. It also impacts how the body processes glucose.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
That sudden need for chocolate before your period isn't just a sweet tooth talking, it's your brain and hormones in conversation. Shifts in estrogen and serotonin, plus dips in magnesium, drive those cravings.
Magnesium glycinate is one of the most bioavailable and gentle forms, making it easy on digestion while delivering high absorption. It not only supports stable glucose metabolism but also helps with muscle relaxation and better sleep — two factors that indirectly reduce sugar cravings.
Dehydration can cause chocolate cravings because your body needs access to sugar. Feeling stressed, tired, or smelling something sweet can also make you crave chocolate. Some chocolate cravings, particularly the classic pre-menstrual craving, may actually be due to culture rather than biology.
Foods rich in iron include:
(3) While this is questionable, there may be some validity to it as chocolate does contain significant amounts of magnesium.
Magnesium helps our bodies handle stress by regulating a key stress hormone, cortisol. When we're stressed, our cortisol levels go up, and we might start craving sugary foods for comfort. But if we have enough magnesium, it can help calm down this stress response and lessen those sugar cravings.
The foods highest in Vitamin B12 are animal products, with clams and liver (beef, lamb) being exceptionally rich sources, often providing several hundred percent of the daily value in a single serving, alongside seafood like mussels, sardines, and salmon, dairy, eggs, and fortified cereals and nutritional yeast for vegans.
No. The breed of the hen determines the shell color. Nutrient levels are not significantly different in white and brown shell eggs.
Tuna is an excellent source of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 also helps you to form new red blood cells and prevent the development of anemia.
Vitamin B12deficiency symptoms may include:
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
The Boots Vitamin B12 Blood Test Kit checks your vitamin B12 levels, using a finger-prick blood sample. Use of this kit requires internet access. All personal data in relation to this product, services and online platforms are collected and processed by MyHealthChecked.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
This constant feeling of hunger may be due to nutrient imbalances, particularly a lack of vitamins B1 and B3, which are essential for energy metabolism. In addition, a deficiency in essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and certain minerals can also contribute to an increased appetite.
Lack of Calcium and Magnesium causes sweet cravings.
Similarly, cravings for chocolate bars can indicate a deficiency of magnesium. Feelings of anxiety, stress, or even depression may also be linked to magnesium deficiency.