L-theanine Supplementation

L- theanine is a supplement which is a commonly advocated as food and nutrition advice.

But what is it?

Is it useful remedy?

L-Theanine is an amino acid that is not categorised in either the common essential or common non-essential amino acids. This amino acid is a non-dietary amino acid that also has similar characteristics to L-Ornithine or L-Citrulline. In addition, L-theanine is similar structurally to glutamine, GABA and glutamate. Clinical research studies on 2 healthy male volunteers have shown that L-theanine supplementation promote the release of alpha waves related to mental relaxation and concentration.

Research has further revealed that L-theanine:

• has relaxation properties
• improves attention
• relieves stress
• non- sedative

Such properties make it have a significant supplement in reducing the effect of several stimulants. When combined with caffeine, the addition promotes cognition and attention. Other research has suggested L-Theanine aids healthy sleeping, however it is not recommended to be used as a first line treatment.

L-Theanine itself can be an effective supplement that can be formulated in an ‘Integrative healthcare solution’. However, L-Theanine can also be consumed by drinking green tea which is commonly advocated as healthy food and nutrition advice. Green tea is the only natural food form of L-Theanine. Moreover, ingestion of green and black tea also has significant health benefits including benefits to cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.

So if you do suffer from acute insomnia, L-theanine can be a useful integrative healthcare solution, especially when consumed in the form of green tea.