L-Theanine

L-theanine is known in the world of medical science as a potential compound for optimum mental clarity and concentration. Aside from its effects on improving brain function, the compound is also believed to promote health and wellness among obese and overweight persons by supporting weight loss.

What is L-Theanine?

 

The health supplement compound L-theanine is an amino acid known to support mental function by crossing the blood-brain barrier and modulating levels of neurotransmitters and other enzymes in the nervous system. Experts who have evaluated supplements with L-theanine have also found that it may regulate mood and prevent the rapid onset of disorders associated with neurotransmitter imbalances.

The molecular formula of L-theanine is C7H14N2O3. Its CAS Number is 3081-61-6 and the molecular weight of the compound is 174.20 g/mol.

Sources of L-Theanine

The amino acid L-theanine can both be derived from natural sources or synthetic sources. Most manufacturers of dietary supplement products use synthetic L-theanine as it is difficult to obtain the compound from its natural sources. Statements on reviews by actual product users show, however, that the benefits they have derived from L-theanine supplementation are the same as the benefits claimed in scientific research.

Natural Foods High in L-Theanine

Aside from intake of L-theanine supplements, taking food and drinks with high L-theanine levels can be very helpful.

Among the most popular sources of L-theanine is green tea. The compound is among the many biochemical constituents of green tea which are responsible for making the said drink useful in promoting relaxation and stress relief. In fact, theanine was first discovered as a component of green tea before it was isolated in many other natural sources like black tea. The long-standing belief that green tea may promote wellness is also probably associated with its L-theanine content, along with other compounds.

Synthetic L-Theanine

Taking L-theanine from unnatural sources does not, at all, affect the health benefits associated with its use. Manufacturers of dietary supplements use synthetic L-theanine as it is more readily available in the market. The powder can be purchased from various reputable ingredient suppliers under various brands.

Other L-Theanine Sources and Purity

L-theanine in recent years has also become a popular amino acid found in mushrooms. Various related studies have found that it can be isolated from a certain species of mushroom known as Xerocomus badius. While it is not yet quite verified, some researches show that L-theanine may affect the favorable taste of the said mushroom.

Based on the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique of the powder, the purity of L-theanine is over 98%.

L-Theanine vs Suntheanine

While many dietary supplements evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA only contain plain L-theanine, an advanced technological technique has resulted in the development of Suntheanine, a patented form of pure L-theanine. Suntheanine is believed to be up to ten times more potent than the plain form of L-theanine. Although the health benefits of using L-theanine are intensified with Suntheanine, the major downside of using the latter in dietary supplement manufacture is that it is quite expensive.

Another important difference between plain L-theanine and Suntheanine is that the former can be obtained from natural sources such as green tea L-theanine and black tea. On the other hand, Suntheanine can only be obtained from dietary supplements which contain the compound.

L-Theanine and Caffeine

Caffeine is the active ingredient in coffee which has been linked with several health effects of the said drink including weight loss. While it is known as a stimulant, caffeine in coffee, as shown in statements in various reviews, produces various health effects when combined with other compounds like L-theanine.

Based on medical science, the combination between L-theanine and caffeine produces synergistic effects on improving focus and concentration not only among adults but also among children who are diagnosed with attention-deficit conditions. This means that individuals who experience difficulty in dealing with multiple tasks may be able to improve their ability to focus with L-theanine and caffeine supplementation. A disclaimer has been raised, however, that both L-theanine and caffeine may not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or control the progression of Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

L-Theanine Gaba

The unique combination of Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, a neurotransmitter, and L-theanine has been found in major research to help promote relaxation and provide quality sleep. Studies show that L-theanine and GABA effectively augment each other’s function when it comes to balancing nervous system functions and preventing rapid deterioration of brain cells brought about by stress. Customer reviews also reveal that users have lesser anxiety and better morning auras after taking supplements with L-theanine and GABA combinations.

L-Theanine Half-Life

The onset of action of the amino acid theanine powder is about an hour, depending on whether the same is introduced in the tablet or capsule form. The elimination half-life of the theanine powder is 1.2 hours in capsule and 0.8 hours in green tea.

How does L-Theanine Work?

Depending on the health effect, L-theanine works in various pathways.

As an enhancer of several brain functions, the compound is believed to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play vital roles in regulating hormone balance as well as overall mood. Hence, it is believed that the compound may help control depression and bipolar conditions associated with imbalances in both dopamine and serotonin. Although Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalance, the dietary supplement product is not intended to cure the condition.

Maintaining healthy levels of brain neurotransmitters is also believed to control anxiety among patients with stress-related conditions.

L-Theanine Benefits

According to the Food and Drug Administration, this product can be used to promote optimum health and wellness and is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Thus, theanine powder can be beneficial for overall health.

• L-theanine for better sleep

Theanine powder, based on recent clinical studies, is beneficial both in improving sleep quality and quantity. In a study conducted in 2011, researchers found that persons who are suffering from General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) who take the compound have experienced an overall improvement in their sleeping patterns and a sense of satisfaction in their quantity of sleep. It is also found in another study that the compound can be beneficial in improving sleep among ADHD patients.

The mechanism of action of Theanine powder is not, however, similar to related products like Melatonin. While the latter is the overall sleep-wake pattern regulator of the body, theanine promotes overall relaxation through interaction with neurotransmitter actions.

• L-theanine for anxiety

Anxiety and its related symptoms are examples of excitatory responses of the human brain. According to the latest medical research, the inhibitory effect of theanine promotes relaxation and controls the development of anxiety symptoms. Another research also reveals that the compound helps reduce stress by soothing the wave pattern of the brain. Experts say that alpha waves in the brain help minimize the development of thoughts that induce stress. Thus, increasing alpha waves reduce anxiety and its debilitating effects.

• L-theanine for weight loss

Statements in customer reviews on the dietary supplement theanine also show that it may support weight loss efforts. Experts say that theanine in green tea produces a unique taste which is known as “umami flavor”. The said umami taste is very helpful in reducing appetite, thereby preventing hunger and promoting the metabolism of fats.

When using the supplement to support weight loss, it must be noted that the compound does not treat, cure or prevent the development of health conditions like hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.

• L-theanine for blood pressure

Hypertension can either be acute or chronic. The use of the theanine, based on studies, is beneficial primarily in cases of an acute increase in blood pressure. During stressful situations, for example, blood pressure generally increases as an excitatory response. An acute increase in blood pressure is among the symptom of stress which may be lessened with supplementation of theanine.

L-Theanine Dosage

The safe dose for the compound when taken by adults usually ranges from 250 to 400 mg daily. This quantity is believed to be useful in inducing sleep.

For children, theanine is ideal for short-term use of up to six weeks. Oral supplements may be taken at 200 mg, two times daily, among children with ages eight to twelve years.

Since the products are not intended to prevent any disease but only to supplement the action of certain body chemicals, persons who are suffering from certain illnesses should consult their physician before using the compound.

Also, the safe doses for the supplement and related products are dependent on the individual user’s age, weight, body build, and overall health condition.

L-Theanine Side Effects

Taken within the recommended dosage, there are no significant side effects associated with theanine supplementation. However, some customer reports show that the compound may cause irritability and gastric discomfort.

It is important for patients who are taking medications, especially antihypertensive drugs, to consult their medical doctor before the supplement as it may interact with the action of some drugs. Also, persons who are diagnosed with certain health conditions are advised to consult their physicians as the products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or stop the progression of illnesses.

The supplement must also be kept out of reach of children.

Where to Buy L-Theanine Bulk Powder

The price for L-theanine powder usually ranges from $27 to $35 per kilogram. The said prices may differ depending on the quantity of your purchase and the shipping fees on your location.

When purchasing bulk L-theanine powder, the qualifications of the supplier must be primarily taken into consideration. Nutriavenue is a verified legitimate supplier of high-quality ingredients at very affordable prices. We have been registered by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA as an ingredient supplier and certified as such by the same authority, along with Halal, Kosher, and GMP.

You can easily check our store online for a list of available ingredients. Shipping services are also available. For more information, you may also contact our technical support representatives.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why L-theanine is ideal for supplementation. However, it must be stressed that it must be used only within recommended doses to ensure safety.

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