高上　英語　背景知識講座⑧　チョコレートの消化について。

本日も、再び背景知識講座を更新します。チョコレートをペットに食べさせてはいけないということを聞いたことがある人は多いのではないでしょうか？　それではチョコレートは人間だけが消化できるのか？　CHATGPTにかなり詳しく聞いてみました。

I’ve heard that only humans can assimilate chocolate. Is that true?

It’s not accurate to say that only humans can “assimilate” chocolate, but it is true that many animals process chocolate differently than humans do, making it toxic for them.

The primary toxic components in chocolate for many animals are theobromine and caffeine, which belong to a class of chemical compounds known as methylxanthines.

For example:

Dogs and Cats: Both theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cats, and even small amounts can lead to poisoning. Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even death in extreme cases.
Birds: Chocolate can also be dangerous to birds and can cause digestive issues, seizures, and death.
Small Pets: Animals like hamsters, rats, and mice are also sensitive to theobromine and caffeine.
Livestock: Even farm animals like goats and horses can experience symptoms of chocolate toxicity.

Humans metabolize theobromine and caffeine more efficiently than many other animals, which is why we can generally consume chocolate without ill effects, although excessive consumption can lead to its own set of health problems.

So, while it’s not accurate to say that only humans can “assimilate” chocolate, it is true that what is a treat for humans can be a poison for many animals. Always keep chocolate away from pets and other animals to ensure their safety.

So please give me a counter evidence.

Certainly! While it is generally accepted that many animals cannot safely consume chocolate due to their inability to metabolize theobromine and caffeine, it’s worth mentioning some nuances:

Tolerance Varies: Some animals may have different tolerance levels to theobromine and caffeine. However, this isn’t well-studied, and it’s safer to err on the side of caution.
Human-like Metabolism in Some Primates: Some primates that are closely related to humans may have similar metabolic pathways, although this area is not thoroughly researched, and the default advice would still be to avoid giving them chocolate.
Artificial Chocolate or Chocolate-Flavored Items: Some products are chocolate-flavored but do not contain real chocolate or theobromine. These might be safe for some animals, although this would depend on the other ingredients present.
Specific Studies: While there isn’t much in the way of studies that provide counter-evidence to the general notion that chocolate is unsafe for animals, more research could potentially find exceptions.
Methylxanthines in Other Foods: Theobromine and caffeine are also found in other foods like tea and coffee. Some animals, particularly those accustomed to human food, may consume these without immediate ill effect, although it is still not recommended.
Small Dosages: While it’s universally advised not to give chocolate to pets, there are anecdotal cases where pets have consumed small amounts without immediate harm. This is not evidence that it is safe, but rather that toxicity can depend on the dose and the individual animal’s health and metabolism.

However, these points should not be taken as an endorsement to feed chocolate to animals. The overwhelming consensus among veterinarians and animal health experts is that chocolate should be kept away from pets due to the high risk of poisoning.

Please give me some specific animal names that can easily digest chocolate.

As of my last update in September 2021, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any animals can “easily digest” chocolate in the way that humans can.

The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are toxic to many animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. These substances interfere with their central nervous systems and cardiovascular systems, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

Even animals that are biologically similar to humans, such as primates, are not advised to consume chocolate, given the risks associated with theobromine and caffeine consumption.

In summary, the general scientific and veterinary consensus is that chocolate is hazardous to many animals and should be kept away from them. Always consult a veterinarian for the most accurate and personalized advice regarding what is safe for a particular animal to consume.

代表から

結局チョコレートをほかの霊長類であれば消化できそうであるものの、確固たる証拠はないとの見解でした。（A　COUNTER　EVIDENCEは反証、反例の意。）またこの反応を見ていて面白かったのがDEFAULT ADVICE という表現です。決まりきった定型的なアドバイス（疲れたなら早く寝なさい。とか、背を伸ばしたいなら牛乳を飲みなさいなど）をこう表現するのは非常に興味深いですね。