L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea. Together with caffeine, it may produce a distinct cognitive enhancement profile without the jitters or other side effects. In addition, L-theanine has many other potential health benefits. Read this post to learn more about the health benefits of theanine.<\/p>\n
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L-theanine is an amino acid mostly found in tea<\/a> leaves and fungi and used to help improve mood and lower stress<\/a>, and to protect the brain and heart [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Theanine usually refers to L-theanine, which has more potential health benefits compared to d-theanine<\/b>.<\/p>\n L-theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the brain directly. In the brain, it may target brain chemicals that regulate arousal, anxiety<\/a>, pleasure, and attention [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n L-theanine increases brain<\/b> serotonin<\/b><\/a> and<\/b> dopamine<\/b><\/a> levels, which may improve memory and learning. It also increases the levels and effectiveness of <\/b>GABA<\/b><\/a>, the body\u2019s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, and stimulates alpha brain wave activity<\/b>, which may cause mental relaxation, concentration, and deep REM sleep [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n L-theanine may also increase glutathione<\/a> levels, the body\u2019s most important antioxidant molecule [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Given its similarity with the neurotransmitter glutamate<\/a>, L-theanine may exert its neuroprotective effects by interfering with its function [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n There are several L-theanine supplements commercially available, especially to curb anxiety, improve cognitive function, and boost immunity. However, the FDA hasn\u2019t approved them for any conditions due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing with L-theanine.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 30 healthy people, L-theanine improved verbal fluency and executive function. In 18 healthy people prone to anxiety, L-theanine improved attention [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 46 people with minor brain damage, a combination of L-theanine and green tea<\/a> extract improved memory during a mental exercise<\/a>. The combination improved recognition memory, attention span, and alertness during a memory test [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n L-theanine also improved recognition memory in rats, possibly by promoting brain development [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A breakfast bar with L-theanine, caffeine, L-tyrosine, alpha-linolenic acid, vitamins and minerals improved alertness, attention, working and episodic memory, and executive function in a clinical trial on 95 people [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n L-theanine protected the brain against age-related cognitive decline in 29 elderly people and against brain damage due to aging, stress, and Alzheimer\u2019s disease in animal studies [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n L-theanine and caffeine are typically found together in tea. L-theanine often enhances the cognitive improvement effects of caffeine while reducing its negative effects (such as increased blood pressure) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In 5 trials on 124 healthy people, this combination improved sustained and target-specific attention, attention switching, reaction time, numeric working memory, and alertness better than either substance alone [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n This combination also reduced the damage caused by restored blood flow after a stroke (ischemia-reperfusion injury) in rats [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Taken together, there is some limited evidence to suggests that L-theanine may improve brain function, especially attention and memory. You may consult with your doctor if it may be helpful in your case.<\/p>\nNatural Sources of L-Theanine<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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How Does L-Theanine Work?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Benefits of L-Theanine<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Possibly Effective for:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Brain Function<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Combination with Caffeine<\/h4>\n