L-theanine (or simply theanine) is a nondietary amino acid that is found in green, black and white teas, plus can be taken in supplement form. L-theanine has relaxing properties without making you feel drowsy. It can be used to make you feel calmer, improve attention span and focus, and support restful sleep.
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. Research suggests that L-theanine can help reduce anxiety in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
L-theanine is a fast-acting amino acid. You should feel the effects within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking it. The effects of L-theanine can last up to 8 hours.
Although there are no reported side effects from taking L-theanine, consuming large amounts of green tea can cause nausea, irritability, and GI upset because of the caffeine content.
Moderate daily intake of L-Theanine is safe, and no side effects were reported in any published study. High doses on daily basis will lead to: Lowering blood pressure (which may be beneficial to some people). Appetite loss.
Many holistic health care professionals suggest starting with a daily dose of 100 milligrams of l-theanine, increasing to a maximum of 400mg per day, for the treatment of stress or anxiety. Effects are usually noticeable within 30 minutes, and can last as long as eight to ten hours.
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. When taking L-Theanine at night, it's best to take your dose between 30 minutes and an hour before bedtime.
Mix with cold or hot water for a soothing drink before bed. Amounts of L-theanine of 900 mg daily have been used safely, although most adults consume smaller doses of 200-400 mg daily. Thorne's Theanine provides 200 mg per capsule.
Several small studies have shown that L-theanine decreases stress scores in subjects taking it versus those taking a placebo. Further large, well-designed studies need to be done to confirm the findings. L-theanine is generally considered safe to take and is classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S.
2. Stays in system approx. 8 hours with maximum concentration within 1 hour. Increased heart rate, constricts blood to brain, diuretic, tremors, headache, anxiety.
l-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), an amino acid in green tea, has been shown to affect brain functions by relieving stress disorders, improving mood, and maintaining normal sleep.
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.
With that in mind, L-theanine seems to be particularly beneficial for combatting stress-related sleep issues. Melatonin, on the other hand, just flat out encourages sleep. This is what makes melatonin a generally more effective sleep supporter than L-theanine, or any other natural sleep aid.
When you're looking for a supplement that helps you relax without making you feel drowsy, then CanPrev's L-Theanine with Magnesium just might be the answer. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black tea and commonly used as a natural stress reliever.
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutr Neurosci.
Dosage. Most studies use between 100 to 400mg a day, with a maximum of 200mg at a single dose. To optimize uptake from the intestine and across the blood brain barrier, L-theanine may be best taken on an empty stomach, and especially away from protein foods and amino acid-containing supplements.
If you take capsules, it's a good idea to take your morning l-theanine about 30 minutes before you start sipping your coffee. You can take this combination of l-theanine on an empty stomach without any food to aid absorption.
Adding L-theanine to your coffee doesn't have to be difficult and it can be quite beneficial as well. Studies have shown that this amino acid is quite good at reducing anxiety and improving focus, especially when mixed with coffee.
It reduces stress and anxiety that can impair your immune system. This amino acid also affects the release of natural brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood and improve cognitive functions. L-theanine is safe. There are no known adverse reactions or drug interactions reported with L-theanine.
Possible Drawbacks of L-Theanine for Anxiety
Can Decrease Serotonin Levels While L-theanine also has the potential to increase serotonin levels in the brain, it has occasionally been shown to decrease them as well.
If you have moderately severe anxiety symptoms, research shows you may respond to L-theanine when taken at a dose of 200 - 400 mg for up to 8 weeks. More severe anxiety may require amounts up to 600 - 800 mg/day divided into 200-mg increments spaced over the day [5,6].
* WHY L-THANINE: This amino acid, commonly found in green tea, helps you relax from everyday stress. * WHY ASHWAGANDHA: This plant extract is clinically tested to support restorative sleep and help improve sleep quality, so you can feel refreshed when you wake up.
L-theanine may offer a natural way to treat ADHD. L-theanine can help improve attention and focus and has a calming effect on the mind. It is also relatively safe, with few side effects. If you are considering taking L-theanine for ADHD, it is important to talk to your doctor first.