L-theanine, an amino acid naturally present in tea leaves, is now a popular supplement. People are taking it because of its potential to ease stress and help them relax.
If you’re thinking about adding this to your daily routine, you might want to know what the best theanine supplement options are. Let’s examine what makes a great L-theanine product and check out some top choices in the market.
L-theanine has an effect on the brain. It might boost levels of key neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.
“L-theanine has been shown to promote relaxation without inducing drowsiness, making it a valuable supplement for managing stress.”
Dr. Naoki Yokogoshi
These shifts could be the reason for its calming effects, and it typically doesn’t cause sleepiness. Studies suggest L-theanine can help handle stress and anxiety, boost sleep, and sharpen brain function. Pairing it with natural oils for anxiety relief may further enhance its soothing benefits.
When searching for the best theanine supplement, focus on things like how pure it is, how much to take, and what form it comes in.
A lot of products have Suntheanine, a special kind of L-theanine known for being consistent and high-quality. Suntheanine has been studied a lot, making it a reliable option for those who want well-researched supplements.
Key Factors in Choosing the Best Theanine Supplement
Before looking at specific products, here are some important things to think about when choosing the best theanine supplement:
Purity and Quality
It’s important to choose products that contain pure L-theanine or Suntheanine®. Third-party testing can offer extra confidence when determining quality and purity. Some respected brands voluntarily have their products tested, which shows they care about giving the best quality.
Dosage
Most L-theanine studies use doses from 100 to 400 mg daily. The best amount can change depending on what you need and what effects you want. Starting with a smaller amount and raising it slowly, with advice from a doctor, is a good approach.
Form
L-theanine comes in capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. The way you take it depends on what you like and find easy to use. Capsules are handy, while powders mix well into drinks1.
Additional Ingredients
Some L-theanine supplements also have ingredients such as caffeine, melatonin, or herbs. These combinations can be good for certain things, but it’s vital to know how they fit with your aims. You should also consider any potential problems they might cause with other medicines or supplements.
Top Picks for the Best Theanine Supplement
Now that we have looked at what to consider, let’s check out some best theanine supplements:
Sports Research L-Theanine with Suntheanine
This supplement offers L-theanine in a pure form. The softgels are easy to swallow. Each softgel has 200 mg of Suntheanine®, a dosage amount that has been examined in clinical research.
The liquid softgel design could also make it easier for your body to absorb compared to regular capsules.
Jarrow Formulas Theanine 200
Jarrow Formulas is known for making good supplements, and their L-theanine is no different. Every capsule provides 200 mg of Suntheanine and is good for vegetarians.
Because of their track record for quality and effectiveness, health experts often suggest this brand.
Nature Made L-Theanine
Nature Made sells an L-theanine supplement that is dependable and affordable. Their product has 200 mg of L-theanine in each tablet, and it is also USP verified. This guarantees quality and purity. It’s a popular option that could be good if you’re just starting to use L-theanine.
Thorne Theanine
Thorne produces supplements that are high-quality. Their L-theanine supplement provides 200 mg in each capsule and doesn’t have common allergens or artificial additives. Thorne’s strict testing makes this a reliable choice if you want a top-quality product.
NOW L-Theanine
NOW Foods offers an affordable L-theanine supplement that doesn’t skimp on quality. Each capsule has 200 mg of Suntheanine®, and the supplement is vegan and not genetically modified. NOW Foods tests its products thoroughly to ensure they are pure and effective.
Combining L-Theanine with Other Supplements
Pairing L-theanine with other supplements or natural substances can offer extra benefits for some people. Here are a couple of well-known combinations:
L-Theanine and Caffeine
People often use these together to help them stay sharp and focused, without the jumpy feeling that caffeine can sometimes cause. One study found that taking L-theanine and caffeine together boosted how fast and accurately people did tasks that needed focus. This was better than using either one alone, or a placebo2.
L-Theanine and Melatonin
If you want to sleep better, using L-theanine with melatonin could help. Melatonin helps control your sleep patterns, while L-theanine helps you relax. Working together, they could make your sleep better.
L-Theanine and GABA
Both L-theanine and GABA can make you feel calmer. One study showed that mixing L-theanine and GABA helped people fall asleep faster and improved their deep sleep. 3
Potential Benefits of the Best Theanine Supplement
Best theanine supplements might provide numerous advantages, according to studies:
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Studies show L-theanine can help lower stress and anxiety. One analysis discovered that L-theanine significantly lowered stress and anxiety in people dealing with difficult situations.
Improved Sleep Quality
L-theanine can make sleep better by helping you relax. Research showed that L-theanine greatly improved sleep in kids with ADHD.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Some research suggests that L-theanine could enhance brain function, particularly when taken with caffeine. A study showed that having L-theanine and caffeine together improved how quickly and correctly people performed tasks that required concentration4.
Potential Immune Support
Early studies hint that L-theanine might boost the immune system. Research found that L-theanine could lower the number of upper respiratory infections5.
Safety and Side Effects
L-theanine is safe for most when used correctly. Like all supplements, it’s vital to know any side effects or interactions.
Some may experience mild issues such as headaches, feeling dizzy, or stomach upset. These problems are rare and not severe.
Talking to a doctor before using new supplements is recommended. Especially, if you have health problems or are taking medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best form of L-theanine to take?
The best form of L-theanine depends on what you like and what you need. Suntheanine®, a patented version, is often regarded as the best. This is because many studies have been done using it. It can be found as capsules, tablets, and powders. Capsules and tablets are easy to use, while powders are great for mixing into drinks and changing how much you take.
What is the best source of theanine?
L-theanine occurs naturally in tea leaves, particularly green tea, but its strength can vary. Supplements offer a consistent dosage. Try to find products that have Suntheanine® or another great, pure L-theanine. If you prefer natural sources, consider matcha green tea, as it generally has higher L-theanine levels than regular green tea.
Is ashwagandha or L-theanine better for anxiety?
Ashwagandha and L-theanine can both help with anxiety. However, they work in different ways. L-theanine helps you relax without making you sleepy, while ashwagandha helps your body handle stress. Deciding which one to use, or using both, depends on what you need and how you react to them. It is best to speak with a doctor to find the right choice for you.
Conclusion
When trying to find the best theanine supplement, think about things like how pure it is, how much you need, and what form it comes in.
Many good choices exist, so pick the one that suits your unique requirements and goals. Best theanine supplements might offer advantages whether your goal is to reduce stress, improve sleep, or boost brain function.
Remember, supplements are great, but they don’t replace a healthy diet, workout routine, and good sleep. Before you start using any new supplement, always check with a doctor.
Especially, if you have health problems or are taking medications. Consulting with your doctor is key.
You can locate the best theanine supplement to improve your well-being by considering these things and perhaps trying various high-quality options.
Make sure to review supplement brands, and read the best theanine supplements review, along with consumerlab annual survey results before making your final choice. Healthy aging starts with the right decisions.
Small Step, Big Impact
When selecting the best theanine supplement, prioritize products with verified purity, start with a low dose to assess tolerance, and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/l-theanine[↩]
- https://hmn24.com/blogs/articles/the-science-behind-combining-caffeine-with-theanine?srsltid=AfmBOopJ-EfYfYPkFxesBhNYzWO8hXnY17DbSt7YWX9MdzYgg6tog0bt[↩]
- https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.01.23296182v1.full[↩]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681988/[↩]
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331135260_The_effect_of_L-theanine_supplementation_on_the_immune_system_of_athletes_exposed_to_strenuous_physical_exercise[↩]
