L-Theanine
Also known as: N-ethyl-L-glutamine · Theanine
An amino acid found in tea, commonly cited in the research literature for context around calm focus and stress.
L-Theanine at a glance
| Name | L-Theanine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | N-ethyl-L-glutamine, Theanine |
| Category | Sleep & stress |
| Type | Amino / injectable |
| Sequence | Non-protein amino acid (N-ethyl-L-glutamine) |
| Typical dose | ~100-400 mg per day (commonly cited) |
| Frequency | Once daily or as needed |
| Route | Oral (supplement) |
| Half-life | Relatively short, on the order of a few hours. |
Overview
L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found naturally in tea leaves and some mushrooms. It is widely sold as a dietary supplement and has been studied for effects on relaxation, attention, and sleep quality, often in combination with caffeine. Presented for educational context only.
How it’s thought to work
- Reported to increase alpha brain-wave activity associated with relaxed alertness.
- Appears to modulate GABA, dopamine, and serotonin levels.
- Studied for a dampening effect on the stimulant edge of caffeine.
Researched uses
- Relaxation and stress reduction in human studies
- Attention and reaction time when paired with caffeine
- Sleep quality support in exploratory research
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~100-400 mg per day (commonly cited) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once daily or as needed |
| Route | Oral (supplement) |
| Notes | Taken orally as capsules or powder; frequently combined with caffeine in research. |
Reconstitution
Taken orally rather than injected, so insulin-syringe unit math does not apply.
Cautions
- Sold as a dietary supplement; not an FDA-approved drug.
- Generally well tolerated in studies, but individual responses vary.
- May add to the effects of other calming agents.
- Not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.
L-Theanine FAQ
What is L-Theanine?
An amino acid found in tea, commonly cited in the research literature for context around calm focus and stress.
How does L-Theanine work?
Reported to increase alpha brain-wave activity associated with relaxed alertness. Appears to modulate GABA, dopamine, and serotonin levels. Studied for a dampening effect on the stimulant edge of caffeine.
What is L-Theanine used for?
Relaxation and stress reduction in human studies; Attention and reaction time when paired with caffeine; Sleep quality support in exploratory research.
What is a typical L-Theanine dose?
~100-400 mg per day (commonly cited), Once daily or as needed, Oral (supplement). This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute L-Theanine?
Taken orally rather than injected, so insulin-syringe unit math does not apply.
What is the half-life of L-Theanine?
Relatively short, on the order of a few hours.