L-Theanine

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L-Theanine

by Life Extension

WHAT IS IT?

L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea. Each capsule contains 100 mg of L-Theanine. Inert ingredients are rice flour, gelatin and water. Do not confuse this with L-Threonine, a different substance. The form of L-Theanine in this product is Suntheanine®. Independent laboratory analsys has verified that some other products from green tea or chemical synthesis are not L-Theanine and have not been shown to be safe and effective. Other products contain D-Theanine as well as L-Theanine. D-Theanine has no published value. Suntheanine® is a registered trademark of Taiyo International, Inc.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

According to the manufacturer:

"Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that produces calming effects in the brain. For centuries, green tea has been used in the Orient for its relaxing properties. Life Extension Foundation members can enjoy the benefits of this unique ingredient in a 100-mg supplement — L-Theanine.

A “feel good” supplement, theanine causes no adverse reactions. In fact, in Japan, soft drinks and chewing gum are spiked with theanine for the purpose of inducing relaxation. The calming, mood-enhancing effect comes with no strings attached— it won’t make you drowsy or groggy, it simply relaxes you by helping to increase alpha-brain waves, electrical brain activity commonly present when you are very relaxed, literally putting you in a better mood.

Animal studies have shown that theanine increases GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid), an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA can be considered the brain’s natural sedative. Other animal studies found theanine was able to increase levels of dopamine, another brain chemical with mood-enhancing effects.

Just as meditation, massage, or aromatherapy quiets the mind and body, so too theanine plays a role in inducing the same calm and feeling of well-being. Everyone except babies can enjoy this non-toxic, highly desirable mood modulator."

CAUTIONS

None known except sensitivity to it. It does not cause drowsiness.

See Disclaimer.

DOSE

Take 1 capsule up to 4 times daily with or without food.

NHC sells 60 capsule bottles of L-Theanine 100 mg for $18.00. The suggested retail price is $24.00.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Created March 1, 1998 (Personal page April 25, 1995)
(This site was created from FrontPage 2000 at a resolution of 1024x768 in 32 bit color on a 19 inch monitor. It was checked using Microsoft IE 5.0. Your results may vary depending upon your browser, monitor, and color resolution.) Updated on May 25, 2003.
Gerry Wolke, RPh.