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L-theanine · Capsules

Theanine

200 mg of Suntheanine per capsule, the branded form used in most human L-theanine research, at a fixed dose. Costs more per capsule than generic L-theanine.

Best for

  • Adults who want a single, well-documented form of L-theanine
  • Evening or pre-stress dosing at a fixed 200 mg

Not for

  • Buyers who want the lowest cost per milligram (generic L-theanine capsules are cheaper)

Where it fits in the program

L-theanine

Primary role
Calm and relaxation
Contribution to healthy aging
May support relaxation, managing everyday stress and winding down.

The rest of the program

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What is in it

IngredientPer servingDose used in research
L-theanine (as Suntheanine)200 mg200 to 400 mg per day

Serving size: 1 capsule

What the research says

  • May support relaxation and a calmer response to everyday stress

    verifiedPromising evidence

    A systematic review of 9 randomized controlled trials found that 200 to 400 mg per day of L-theanine may help lower stress and anxiety symptoms in people under stressful conditions, though the authors called for larger, longer trials before it is relied on as an established therapy.

  • May increase alpha brain-wave activity associated with relaxed wakefulness

    verifiedEarly evidence

    A crossover trial measuring brain activity directly found greater resting alpha-wave activity 2 hours after an L-theanine drink than after placebo, but only in people who ran higher in trait anxiety to start with.

What the grades mean is explained in how we choose.

Quality and testing

  • The brand states this product is third-party tested to verify label accuracy and to screen for heavy metals, pesticides and microorganisms.
  • Not NSF Certified for Sport.

See what the brand itself claims about this ingredient, and how Brian grades each claim

Safety

  • Generally well tolerated. Talk to your doctor before combining with blood pressure medication, since it may add to a blood-pressure-lowering effect.
  • Interactions with sedatives have not been ruled out; check with a pharmacist if you take one.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Suntheanine, the branded form used in most human research on L-theanine
  • Single ingredient, fixed 200 mg dose
  • Third-party tested for contaminants

Cons

  • Costs more per capsule than generic L-theanine
  • Not NSF Certified for Sport

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication.