l-theanine affects brain functions. Studies in mice indicate that it improves behavior under stress conditions,5 suppresses deterioration of learning ability under social stress,6 and improves memory impairment.
The most common side effects of L-theanine dosage include headaches, nausea, and irritability. However, the nausea appears to be mostly linked with L-theanine being administered through green tea rather than dietary supplements.
L-theanine may reduce brain fog symptoms such as memory problems and delayed reaction time when taken as a supplement. It may also help reduce stress and improve sleep, which may relieve brain fog symptoms.
L-Theanine Protects Brain Cells and Promotes Cognitive Function. There's a link between anxiety, reaction to stress, and the brain's most fundamental function, maintaining cognition. Studies over the past two years suggest a potential role for L-theanine in supporting cognitive function and preventing its loss.
Is L-theanine safe for long-term use? Yes. L-theanine is a safe and natural amino acid that can be taken long-term without any adverse effects.
When taken by mouth: L-theanine is possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 900 mg daily have been safely used for 8 weeks. It isn't clear if L-theanine is safe to use for longer periods of time. It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:There is not enough reliable information about the safety of using theanine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Theanine is POSSIBLY SAFE for children. Doses of 200 mg of theanine have been safely used twice daily for up to 6 weeks.
As long as you follow the L-theanine supplement's dosage suggestions, you can safely take L-theanine daily. And because L-theanine is a 100% drug-free, non-habit-forming ingredient, it is generally considered safe for long-term use.
Experts do not yet know the best dosage of L-theanine for sleep. However, published studies suggest that taking 200 milligrams of L-theanine before bed may promote restful sleep. People considering taking L-theanine supplements should discuss the dosage with a doctor.
L-theanine Dosage and Use
L-theanine is one of my most common treatments for anxiousness and may help any of the three sub-types. It's usually taken in doses from 50-100 mg once or twice daily. In more severe cases, it may be taken 3 or 4 times per day. It is not habit forming like many anti-anxiety medications.
Another common reason why L-theanine might increase anxiety in certain people is if they consume it alongside excessive caffeine, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. Lastly, L-theanine may interact with certain medications—especially stimulant drugs or those for high blood pressure.
Substances that cause the release of high levels dopamine can be addictive, resulting in a compulsion to seek the perceived feeling of “reward.” However, L-theanine produces low enough levels of dopamine that has not been shown to produce “seeking” or addicted behavior in lab tests on rats or in the (more limited) ...
“A combination of magnesium with L-Theanine (an amino acid) will ease the tension in the physical body and settle anxiety as L-Theanine supports the production of calming neurotransmitters. Take this combination now twice daily rather than waiting until you feel tense or anxious.”
A calming effect is usually noted within 30 to 40 minutes after L-theanine is taken at a dose of 50 to 200mg, and typically lasts 8 to 10 hours. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve with a regimen of 200mg once or twice daily.
L-theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without sedating. L-theanine can help foster a state of calm, attentive wakefulness. L-theanine has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
You can take L-Theanine multiple times daily, including in the morning before work and at night before bed. Taking a daytime dose of L-Theanine may help you focus and maintain mental clarity as you go about your daily tasks. A nighttime dose, on the other hand, can help you wind down before getting ready for bed.
Magnesium can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of numerous medications, including some common antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox) and ofloxacin ...
Magnesium and calcium/multivitamin
But if you do take magnesium, Erin Stokes, ND, recommends not taking it at the same time as your multivitamin, as it may interfere with the absorption of smaller minerals found in the multivitamin, like iron and zinc.
However, the original claims relating to the calming effect of l-theanine show it is usually noted within 40–60 min after l-theanine ingestion at a dose of 50–200 mg. Effective dose of 200 mg of l-theanine in the present study to induce relaxation is well consistent with the work of Kobayashi et al.
Published data suggests that L-theanine administered at daily doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg for up to 8 weeks are safe and induce anxiolytic and anti-stress effects in acute and chronic conditions.
Conclusion: Our study suggests that chronic (8-week) l-theanine administration is safe and has multiple beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairments in patients with MDD.
L-theanine has been historically reported as a relaxing agent, prompting scientific research on its pharmacology. Animal neurochemistry studies suggest that L-theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels and has micromolar affinities for AMPA, Kainate and NMDA receptors.
Most people find that L-theanine works best when taken in doses of 200-400 mg per day. (3) Larger doses may be more effective but can also cause side effects. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting L-theanine, especially if you take medication or have a pre-existing medical condition.
L-theanine is highly regarded for its unique ability to increase calm and focus, but without drowsiness or stimulation. It can improve your mood and ability to concentrate. Theanine can boost brain health and function now, and help prevent mental decline in the future.
Sleep disorders: Adjunctive use of L-theanine 250 mg/day or 450 mg/day (225 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks (ie, in addition to current antipsychotic medication) has been studied for improvement of some sleep measures in patients with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or GAD.