Stress is a distraction. Stress is a disabler. Stress is a killer. In America alone nearly 8.3 million adults (roughly about 3.4 percent of the U.S. population) are reported to suffer from serious psychological distress, which can and has lead to suicide— this data from an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( More than 35,000 households nationwide participate each year). What can sufferers do to improve their situation?
Since recorded history, drinking green tea has been heavily reported as a successful relaxation device. But, what if you don't like tea?
Enter Taiyo, which has established itself as a leader in the development and production of emulsifiers, stabilizers, egg and tea based ingredients, and highly functional ingredients for the food and pharmaceutical industries
A pioneer in the science of green tea, Taiyo researchers drilled down to the root of the green tea experience and determined that this “relaxation effect” came from the presence of the amino acid L-theanine in the tea. This clinical research further focused on the realization that with approx 50 mg – 200 mg of L-theanine, brain activity known as alpha waves would be stimulated. This was important as these waves are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. No stress!
Suntheanine is the trade name for Taiyo’s patented pure form of L-theanine. Suntheanine is not an extract of green tea, but is produced through a patented fermentation process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves, resulting in a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine.
Research does not stop there: Suntheanine may have application in improving the quality of sleep, diminishing normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, promoting concentration, reducing negative side effects of caffeine and supporting the immune system, according to the Suntheanine website.
How Safe Is Suntheanine?
Suntheanine has been consumed in beverages, foods and supplements since 1994 with no indication of adverse reactions or contraindications. That speaks volumes, as do positive results in numerous favorable toxicology and efficacy studies. Unlike other stress reducing supplements, Suntheanine does not cause drowsiness. The user is able to perform business and social functions, keys to improving their life styles and further eliminating stress
The GRAS Affirmation (Generally Recognized as Safe) of Suntheanine received confirmation from the US FDA in 2007 for its use in a number of food and beverage categories (GRN 000209).
Suntheanine has also recently been Non-GMO Project Verified. This Non-GMO Project Verification validates Suntheanine’s quality and its compliance with rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance, including segregation and traceability to prevent contamination.
And this is important as “There is a significant and growing consumer demand for non-GMO ingredients,” says Scott Smith, vice president of Taiyo International. “The Non-GMO Project looks at the entire supply chain, which provides further validation of Suntheanine’s quality and the integrity of our manufacturing process.”
This is what the well-respected Cleveland Clinic, ranked as one of the nation’s best hospitals overall, reports on its website about L-theanine.
L-Theanine Pros
- L-theanine, a water-soluble amino acid, is found mainly in green and black tea, and to a lesser extent in mushrooms. It constitutes between 1 and 2 percent of the dry weight of tea. Passing through the blood-brain barrier within 30 minutes, it is used for stress relief, the treatment of anxiety, improved concentration and focus, and minimal cognitive impairment. It is said to generate creativity, a state of wakeful relaxation, and higher learning via the ability to ignore distracting information during complex tasks.
- L-theanine has demonstrated benefit for patients diagnosed with anxiety by increasing levels of dopamine and GABA in the brain. It also improved test performance without the agitation caused by caffeine.
- L-theanine is generally regarded as safe for adults in moderate amounts.
L-Theanine Cons
- While some studies have found that the antagonism of caffeine’s effects by L-theanine blunts quick response time and focus, others have found that it increases focus and shortens response time. It may be due to the effect of L-theanine on attention and reaction time, helping those with high anxiety levels caused by caffeine. This may make tea less exciting than coffee, as L-theanine seems to oppose some of the focus-giving effects of caffeine.
- L-theanine should be used with caution in patients on anti-hypertensive medicines, because it decreases blood pressure. The Cleveland Clinic concludes: “L-theanine should be used only under a doctor’s supervision if you are taking drugs for chemotherapy because it increases the activity of some cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Do not take L-theanine with cholesterol lowering medications.” Subjects
were “20 patients with MDD (four males; mean age: 41.0±14.1 years, 16 females; 42.9±12.0 years). l-theanine (250 mg/day) was added to the current medication of each participant for 8 weeks.
Symptoms and cognitive functions were assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks after l-theanine administration by the 21-item version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Stroop test, and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).”
After testing the conclusion drawn was that “chronic (8-week) l-theanine administration is safe and has multiple beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairments in patients with MDD. However, since this is an open-label study, placebo-controlled studies are required to consolidate the effects.”
Suntheanine Products
Suntheanine lends itself to so many options that the variety of products is more than can be covered in this article, but here are some popular ones.
Healthy sleep is critical for everyone, but it is an area where stress sufferers need special support. That is where ProThrivers Wellness Sleep provides value. It includes: 20 mg of Melatonin per two capsules; Magnesium; Suntheanine brand L-theanine; and Magnolol which is a major active constituent of Magnolia officialis.
Delivering 100 mg of L-theanine per chewable tablet, Tomorrow's Nutrition Suntheanine Chewables have been clinically shown to reduce stress while improving calm, sharpening focus and strengthening concentration, all without taking away any daytime alertness. Suntheanine has also been shown to improve the quality of sleep at night, without the morning grogginess associated with other sleep aids.
Tomorrow's Nutrition Suntheanine Veggie Caps delivers 150 mg of clinically proven, award winning and patented L-theanine per capsule towards preventing caffeine jitters and improve the quality of your sleep. Suntheanine is an effective supplement, even reportedly diminishing the symptoms of PMS. This health supplement is gluten-free, non-GMO, non-dairy and vegetarian!
Providing the highest concentration of L-Theanine, scientific studies have shown Suntheanine in StressAssist stimulates normal alpha brain wave activity for deep relaxation and mental alertness without drowsiness. A major “contributor” is Sensoril which is a patented, multi-functional stress inhibitor that increases resistance to stress, fatigue, and tension when needed.
Just Chill Beverages are powered by a unique amino acid called Suntheanine which is a “nootropic” or functional supplement that enhances cognitive function. What makes Suntheanine so unique? It is the only clinically studied and patented form of L-theanine available on the market. L-Theanine, a unique amino acid found in green tea, has been shown to help improve performance by reducing stress and increasing focus without causing drowsiness.
Solgar L-Theanine 150 mg Vegetable Capsules contain L-Theanine, an amino acid which is commonly found in green tea. It plays a key role in mood support by helping to improve GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) levels. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter important for nervous system function. Supplementation with L-Theanine can help maintain GABA levels, and promote a calm, relaxed mood.
If you take the time to look at the labels on the sides of these bottles you will see something strange as far as ingredients go. They do not contain artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, corn, dairy products, gluten, preservatives, salt, soy, sugar, wheat, and yeast. That should be healthy in itself!
Recent Study Results
According to the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health PubMed website there was an open-label study on the“Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder.” Results were released this past April 2017.
Proviso
You should not use this information for self-diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or to secure a prescription of any medication or other treatment. It is important that you always seek out the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider when you have questions about a medical condition.
Also, be sure to consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise, or supplementation program, and especially before taking any medication, if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Suntheanine Review Summary
Major research studies on the health benefits of L-theanine were conducted primarily using Suntheanine. To that end, this clinical research qualifies Suntheanine as a viable source to ease stress by promoting mental focus and clarity during the day while helping to improve sleep quality at night.
