Top 8 Best L-Theanine Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Relief (2024)

Stress and anxiety have become a burden on our daily lives. The constant demands of work, personal responsibilities, and the pressures of modern society can leave us feeling overwhelmed, drained, and unable to find peace.

Chronic stress and anxiety can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical well-being. They can lead to sleep disturbances, decreased productivity, and even exacerbate existing health conditions. There are 77% of people who experience physical symptoms caused by stress. If left unchecked, these issues can significantly impact our quality of life, making it challenging to maintain a balanced and fulfilling existence.

Fortunately, there are solutions available to help alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety. One such solution is L-Theanine, a unique amino acid found predominantly in tea leaves. L-Theanine supplements have gained recognition for their ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and support overall cognitive function.

These top-rated and best L-Theanine supplements offer a natural and effective way to find relief from the burdens of daily stressors, allowing you to reclaim a sense of calm and balance in your life.

Effectiveness of L-theanine Supplement

L-theanine has gained recognition for positively influencing brain function and mood. Its primary means involves enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which plays a crucial role in stress and anxiety reduction.

Animal studies indicate that L-Theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels while demonstrating affinities for AMPA, Kainate, and NMDA receptors. These neurotransmitters are known for their calming effects and ability to improve mood, sleep, and stress levels. Additionally, it exhibits neuroprotective properties, possibly by antagonizing group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Behavioral studies in animals further support its potential for improving learning and memory. Overall, L-Theanine displays a promising neuropharmacological profile, indicating its potential as a neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing agent, warranting further investigation in both animal and human studies.

Also, one study discussed the effects of an L-theanine-based nutrient drink on mood, cognitive performance, and brain activity in response to a cognitive stressor in healthy adults. It found that L-theanine significantly reduced subjective stress one hour after consumption compared to a placebo, and salivary cortisol levels were lower three hours post-dose.

While no changes in cognitive performance were observed, there was an increase in resting state alpha oscillatory activity in the brain two hours after taking L-theanine, particularly in individuals with higher trait anxiety. This increase in alpha activity was not linked to changes in stress response or cortisol levels, indicating the need for further research to understand its functional relevance. Overall, the findings support L-theanine's anti-stress effects.

Recommended Dosage for L-Theanine Supplements

A study involving 20 patients with major depressive disorder found that taking 250 mg of L-theanine daily for eight weeks improved depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function.

Depression scores (HAMD-21) significantly decreased, especially in those who were not fully recovered at the start. Anxiety-trait scores were also reduced, and sleep quality improved in these patients. Cognitive functions, including response time, error rate, verbal memory, and executive function, showed notable improvements.

The study suggests that 250 mg/day of L-theanine can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing sleep and cognitive performance, though further placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Best L-Theanine Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Relief

We have researched the top L-Theanine supplements and selected them based on their effectiveness, quality, and user reviews. These supplements promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and support overall cognitive function.

Sports Research Double Strength L-Theanine Supplement offers a unique approach to promoting relaxation, focus, and alertness without the drowsiness typically associated with similar products.

Each soft gel contains 200 mg of L-Theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, known for its calming properties. Formulated with patented Suntheanine and organic coconut oil, this supplement aims to enhance mental clarity and relaxation without the jittery side effects of caffeine. The product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free, ensuring high quality and purity.

Manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities in the USA, Sports Research emphasizes the importance of premium ingredients and rigorous testing standards to deliver a reliable and effective supplement.

Pros

  • Formulated with patented Suntheanine and organic coconut oil.
  • Supports relaxation and focus without causing drowsiness.
  • Suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
  • Provides a potent 200 mg dose of L-Theanine in a single softgel.
  • Sports Research has a long-standing reputation for quality and purity.

Cons

  • May not be preferred by those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
  • Some users may experience mild side effects like headaches, although these are rare.

Pure Encapsulations L-Theanine offers a premium relaxation and stress support solution with its 60-capsule amino acid supplement. Formulated to aid both men and women, it provides a gentle approach to promoting relaxation without inducing drowsiness.

Pure Encapsulations, known for its commitment to purity and quality, ensures that this product is free from unnecessary additives and common allergens, making it suitable for individuals with various dietary needs.

Pros

  • Pure Encapsulations upholds stringent standards in its manufacturing process, guaranteeing a high-quality and effective product.
  • Formulated with pure ingredients, this supplement is free from common allergens, artificial additives, and GMOs, ensuring users a clean and safe option.
  • Vegetarian capsules provide easy consumption for individuals with dietary preferences and restrictions.

Cons

  • While rare, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort.

NOW Supplements L-Theanine offers a comprehensive stress management and relaxation solution with 200 mg capsules formulated with inositol. This product is a versatile aid for maintaining mental balance and tranquility. It promotes relaxation without inducing drowsiness or adverse effects typically associated with other calming agents.

Pros

  • NOW Supplements L-Theanine is a potent stress-relief supplement that helps individuals manage stress without experiencing drowsiness or negative side effects. Its efficacy in promoting relaxation makes it an excellent choice for those dealing with everyday stressors.
  • By supporting healthy brain function and nervous system health, including inositol in the formulation provides additional cognitive benefits. This ensures users not only experience relaxation but also enjoy improved mental clarity and focus.
  • NOW Supplements L-Theanine is manufactured to meet the highest quality standards. It is certified vegan, kosher, and non-GMO, making it suitable for individuals with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
  • With NPA A-rated GMP certification, NOW ensures that every aspect of the manufacturing process, including stability, potency, and product formulation, meets the highest industry standards.

Cons

  • Some users may find the size of the capsules relatively large, which could be challenging to swallow for those who have difficulty with larger pills.
  • Although rare, some users have reported experiencing mild side effects such as heart palpitations or spikes in blood pressure. While these occurrences are infrequent, individuals should carefully monitor their response to the supplement.

OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress Softgels offer a potent blend of botanicals and nutrients for relaxation and mental balance. Each soft gel contains GABA, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm, and Ashwagandha, providing fast-acting stress relief within 30-60 minutes. The compact package contains 60 capsules, offering a 30-day supply.

These naturally colored, easy-to-swallow soft gels have a hint of strawberry scent and zero sugar, making them ideal for daily use. Take two soft gels daily with water to support a calm and centered mind. Experience the benefits of the best GABA L-Theanine supplement.

Pros

  • Fast-acting stress relief with a blend of GABA, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm, and Ashwagandha.
  • Each soft gel is expertly formulated and contains no synthetic flavors or colors, making them suitable for daily use.
  • Compact package with 60 capsules, providing a 30-day supply.
  • Naturally colored and easy to swallow, with a hint of strawberry scent and zero sugar.

Cons

  • Some users find the packaging difficult to open, which can be inconvenient.
  • The softgel format may not be preferred by everyone.

Doctor's Best L-Theanine offers a natural solution for reducing stress and improving sleep. This supplement, renowned for its efficacy, contains Suntheanine, a pure form of L-Theanine, known to support a healthy mood and relaxation without causing drowsiness.

Focusing on maintaining daytime alertness helps promote a sense of calm and supports cognitive performance. Suntheanine recognized as one of the best L-Theanine supplements and an agent used for nervousness and tension, may normalize the body's stress response, aiding in handling stressful situations better. It comes in a 90-count bottle, providing a convenient and sustainable supply.

Pros

  • Contains Suntheanine, a pure form of L-Theanine known for its effectiveness.
  • Supports relaxation and a sense of calm without causing drowsiness.
  • Helps reduce the negative effects of caffeine and supports the immune system.
  • Comes in a 90-count bottle, offering a sustainable supply.

Cons

  • Exposure to heat or sunlight may damage the product.
  • Some users may experience side effects like headaches or grogginess.

BulkSupplements L-Theanine Powder provides a convenient and effective way to incorporate one of the best L-Theanine supplements into your daily routine. With each serving delivering 200mg of pure L-Theanine, this supplement is tailored to support overall health and well-being, offering a range of benefits to users.

Whether aiming to enhance your cognitive function, reduce stress levels, or promote relaxation, Bulk-supplements L-Theanine Powder offers versatility suitable for various lifestyles and dietary preferences.

Pros

  • BulkSupplements.com is known for its commitment to quality and purity. This L-Theanine powder undergoes rigorous third-party testing, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness in its formulation and production process.
  • Whether you want to support mental performance, manage stress, or enhance relaxation, this unflavored L-Theanine powder seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
  • Formulated without unnecessary allergens, such as gluten, this L-Theanine powder is suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
  • Produced in a facility compliant with strict cGMP standards, this L-Theanine powder maintains consistency and excellence, batch after batch.

Cons

  • Individuals sensitive to taste may find it difficult to mask the bitterness of the powder when mixed with liquids, potentially affecting their overall experience.
  • As a powder supplement, precise measurement using a milligram scale is necessary to ensure proper dosage, which may inconvenience some users.

Jarrow Formulas Extra Strength Theanine 200mg promotes relaxation with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients. Each vegan, gluten-free capsule contains 200mg of L-Theanine, a neurologically active amino acid known for its calming effects.

Perfect for supporting relaxation without drowsiness, this supplement is ideal for individuals seeking a natural way to unwind and reduce stress. Simply take one capsule daily with water or juice on an empty stomach. With Jarrow Formulas, you can trust that you're getting a carefully crafted product backed by strong scientific research.

Pros

  • Made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients.
  • Each capsule contains 200mg of L-Theanine for optimal relaxation support.
  • Vegan and gluten-free, suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Supports relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it ideal for daytime use.
  • Backed by strong scientific research and formulated to ensure effectiveness.

Cons

  • Some users may find it less effective for promoting sleep than other supplements.
  • Requires daily intake for consistent relaxation support.

Bluebonnet Nutrition L-Theanine 200 mg offers a natural solution to stress relief with its free-form amino acid capsules. Designed to support mood and relaxation, each serving contains 200 mg of L-theanine, providing a non-drowsy way to unwind and tranquility. Bluebonnet's product is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary preferences and restrictions.

Pros

  • Formulated with 200 mg of free-form L-theanine per serving for effective stress relief.
  • Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, ensuring compatibility with various dietary needs.
  • Supports mood and relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it suitable for daytime use.
  • Each bottle contains 30 vegetable capsules, offering a convenient 30-day supply.
  • Trusted brand with positive customer reviews, reflecting its efficacy and reliability.

Cons

  • Slightly higher priced compared to some competing brands on the market.
  • Capsule format may not be preferred by everyone, especially those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
  • While rare, some users may experience mild side effects like headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Limited availability in certain regions or stores may pose challenges for potential buyers.

Final Thoughts

Among the best L-Theanine supplements, one product that truly stands out is the Sports Research Double Strength L-Theanine Supplement. This supplement offers a unique blend of 200 mg L-Theanine, formulated with patented Suntheanine and organic coconut oil. Its ability to promote relaxation, focus, and alertness without causing drowsiness sets it apart from many other options on the market.

Sports Research Double Strength L-Theanine Supplement is a premium choice for those seeking a natural and effective way to manage stress and anxiety. Its commitment to quality, purity, and transparency ensures a reliable product backed by rigorous testing standards. Its non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free formulation caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Try Sports Research Double Strength L-Theanine Supplement today and experience the transformative power of the best stress relief supplement. Take the first step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life by incorporating the best L-Theanine supplements into your daily routine.

FAQs on Best L-Theanine Supplements

Can L-Theanine reduce anxiety as effectively as anti-anxiety drugs?

L-Theanine has been shown to reduce anxiety, offering a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals without the associated side effects like drowsiness or dependency. It is particularly effective in acute stress situations and can complement other treatments. However, use as an alternative to prescription anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals should be discussed with a medical provider.

Are there any side effects associated with taking L-Theanine?

L-theanine is considered safe when used in typical amounts of tea or dietary supplements. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as headache or sleepiness, particularly with high doses.

Can L-Theanine improve sleep quality?

Yes, L-Theanine can improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. This makes it easier to fall asleep and increases sleep duration without the grogginess often associated with sleep aids.

When is the best time to take L-theanine supplement?

If you aim to boost mental focus and cognitive function, taking L-theanine in the morning or early afternoon is beneficial, ideally about 30 minutes before breakfast. This timing helps enhance concentration and productivity throughout the day without causing drowsiness

Top 8 Best L-Theanine Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Relief (2024)

FAQs

Top 8 Best L-Theanine Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Relief? ›

What are the top-rated L-Theanine supplements in the market? Some of the best L-Theanine brands available include the Momentous L-Theanine Capsules, 60 Servings, Nutricost L-Theanine, and Sports Research L-Theanine Supplement.

What is the best L-theanine supplement on the market? ›

What are the top-rated L-Theanine supplements in the market? Some of the best L-Theanine brands available include the Momentous L-Theanine Capsules, 60 Servings, Nutricost L-Theanine, and Sports Research L-Theanine Supplement.

What is the best supplement for stress and anxiety? ›

Supplements for anxiety
  • Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 can improve mood and energy, and it has been a must for many of my patients throughout the pandemic, says Dr. Madrak. ...
  • Magnesium: ...
  • Melatonin: ...
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: ...
  • Chamomile: ...
  • Valerian root: ...
  • Ashwagandha: ...
  • Kava:
May 1, 2023

How much L-theanine can I take for severe anxiety? ›

The supplement is made from extracts. This is because it would require large amounts of naturally occurring sources to get the same results since the amino acids are naturally low in tea leaves. The recommended daily intake of l-theanine for anxiety is about 200 to 400 mg daily.

What is the best source of L-theanine? ›

L-theanine occurs naturally in black tea. L-theanine is an amino acid. The human body does not produce this compound, and it is not essential for humans. Green tea, black tea, and certain types of mushroom naturally contain L-theanine.

What's better than L-theanine? ›

Bioavailability and absorption also differ, impacting their respective effectiveness as cognitive enhancers. Studies suggest Suntheanine™ might offer improved bioavailability over L-theanine sourced from tea leaves.

What is the best mg of L-theanine to take? ›

As medicine, L-theanine has most often been used by adults in doses of 200-400 mg by mouth daily for 4-8 weeks.

What is the strongest anxiety relief? ›

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative that may sometimes be used as a short-term treatment during a particularly severe period of anxiety. This is because they help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the medication. If you're prescribed a benzodiazepine, it'll usually be diazepam.

What is the most effective treatment for stress and anxiety? ›

Here's what you can do:
  • Keep physically active. Develop a routine so that you're physically active most days of the week. ...
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. ...
  • Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages. ...
  • Use stress management and relaxation techniques. ...
  • Make sleep a priority. ...
  • Eat healthy.
May 4, 2018

Is L-theanine or GABA better for anxiety? ›

While GABA and L-theanine have both been shown to promote relaxation, there are some differences between the two supplements. Efficacy: Taking L-theanine for anxiety might be beneficial over GABA because L-theanine can promote relaxation without causing the drowsiness that GABA supplements tend to.

What are the negative side effects of L-theanine? ›

High doses on daily basis will lead to:
  • Lowering blood pressure (which may be beneficial to some people).
  • Appetite loss.
  • Diarrhea.>
  • Difficulty in concentration.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Extreme high doses (29mg/kg/day) can cause liver toxicity.

Can you overdo it on L-theanine? ›

L-theanine is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when taken at appropriate doses. In general, it's recommended that you don't exceed 500 milligrams (mg) a day. Most healthy adults can take between 200 mg and 500 mg a day. But like any supplement, it may cause side effects, particularly at high doses.

Which is better, ashwagandha or L-theanine? ›

While L-theanine helps you relax when you need to give yourself a time out, ashwagandha helps you keep from getting all worked up in the first place! Indeed, ashwagandha is practically the poster child of adaptogens (substances that help support healthy stress response and cortisol levels).

Which food has the highest L-theanine? ›

To the best of our knowledge, tea is the only main dietary source of L-theanine.

Does brand of L-theanine matter? ›

Suntheanine is just a branded, patented form of L-Theanine. The only difference between Suntheanine and other L-Theanine supplements is how the L-Theanine is obtained. Most L-Theanine supplements are made by obtaining the amino acid from tea leaves via a natural process.

Should I take 100mg or 200mg of L-theanine? ›

If you're using L-theanine alone, it is important to start with a small dosage and increase as needed. Most people find that L-theanine works best when taken in doses of 200-400 mg per day. (3) Larger doses may be more effective but can also cause side effects.

Are all L-theanine supplements the same? ›

Pairing L-Theanine With Other Active Ingredients

The biggest difference between L-Theanine supplements is whether or not they contain other active ingredients. It's extremely important for you to take a close look at the active ingredients list before purchasing.

What is the purest form of L-theanine? ›

L-Theanine is the basic form which is derived from green tea leaves. On the other hand, Suntheanine® is a patented pure L-isomer form which is equivalent to a concentrated form of L-Theanine. Suntheanine® contains the same amount of L-Theanine that you can only obtain from drinking 10 cups of green tea.

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