What Is L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is an amino acid that impacts nerve impulses in the brain and the release of neurotransmitters, including GABA. It's known to have a calming effect on the body and mind without making you feel drowsy, which is why it's often used to help with a hyperactive and over thinking mind.

L-Theanine supports many critical processes that are happening in your body. Research suggests that it affects the production and release of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These brain chemicals have a profound effect on your overall mood and your ability to deal with daily challenges.

L-Theanine can bond to the same receptors as glutamate, which is one of the brain's most important excitatory chemicals, which is responsible for many of our internal alarm responses. But, since L-Theanine is inhibitory, it actually reduces the over response of these receptors, which translates to a feeling of calmness.

L-Theanine also appears to increase alpha brain waves, which are tied to our ability to relax. The effect is dose dependent, with higher doses leading to greater increases in alpha brain waves.

Because L-Theanine is almost exclusively found in tea leaves, it can be hard to get enough from foods and drinks alone to notice its positive effects. This is why people turn to L-Theanine in supplement form. Theanine supplements generally come in the form of L-Theanine, which is the bioavailable supplement form of the amino acid theanine.