Doctors often manage focus-related challenges with medications and harsh prescriptions. However, naturally-occurring compounds like L-theanine may offer similar cognitive benefits without the unwanted side effects of prescription drugs.
This article explores how L-theanine really works, whether you should take it as a supplement, and the benefits it offers.
What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is an amino acidfound in green and black tea, and some mushroom powders. People commonly use it to support cognitive function, improve sleep quality, and enhance mental clarity.
Researchers believe that L-theanine works in the brain by mimicking glutamate, a neurotransmitter responsible for sending nerve signals. The more of this amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier, the more it may help sharpen your mental processes.
Additionally, L-theanine may influence other pathways, such as GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood regulation, memory, and motivation—factors that are often associated with attention and focus difficulties.
How L-Theanine May Support Mental Focus & Attention
Individuals experiencing challenges with focus and attention often struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention that can interfere with daily tasks. These issues may affect productivity at work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Fortunately, L-theanine may help improve these symptoms by enhancing concentration and focus. Studies suggest that it can aid cognitive function and mental performance, particularly in demanding situations.
For example, aplacebo-controlled study in 2020 found that L-theanine improved task performance in young boys. Brain scans indicated that the amino acid helped stimulate certain parts of the brain during cognitive tasks.
Other studies involved usingL-theanine in addition to standard treatment. Results have shown that L-theanine is a safe supplement to use alongside conventional approaches for enhancing mental clarity and focus.
In anotherstudy from 2019, researchers found that taking 200 mg of L-theanine daily for 30 days improved verbal fluency and executive function in adults. Notably, the study participants did not have diagnosed focus-related conditions, so the findings may apply to a broad range of individuals seeking to boost cognitive performance.
Researchers are now investigating whether L-theanine's effects are more pronounced when taken alone or in combination with caffeine, which is often present in studies due to its natural occurrence in tea. Understanding how these compounds interact will help clarify L-theanine's role in improving focus and attention.
L-Theanine Supplements: Ingredients And Benefits
L-theanine supplements, likeInstaZen, contain several ingredients designed to enhance their effectiveness in supporting mental clarity and focus. The primary active compound is L-theanine, which research suggests may improve cognitive function. However, other ingredients can work synergistically with the amino acid to provide additional benefits.
For instance, supplements may include valerian root powder, a traditional herb known for its calming properties. This helps individuals relax during the day and promotes better sleep at night, further supporting mental clarity.
Safranal, the active ingredient in saffron, may also play a role. Studies show that it has mood-enhancing properties, helping to balance neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Some supplements also include dihydro honokiol-B (DHH-B) from magnolia bark. This anti-anxiety compound may support GABA activity in the brain, similar to valerian root, with potentially stronger effects for individuals experiencing stress or anxiety. The benefits can include reduced impulsivity and improved concentration.
Normally, DHH-B isn’t easily absorbed when consumed orally. However, water-soluble versions, like those found in InstaZen, are more bioavailable, allowing for better absorption into the bloodstream.
Dosage And Safety Information for L-THEANINE
L-theanine is considered a supplement, not a medication, which means it hasn’t undergone the same rigorous testing as conventional prescription drugs. However, it is a naturally occurring compound found in common foods like tea, and scientific studies have indicated it is generally safe for consumption.
Adults in clinical studies typically took around 200 mg of L-theanine per day, which is about 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. Similar dosages have been used in studies on children to support cognitive function.
It’s possible to take L-theanine alongside caffeine since the two naturally occur together in tea. This combination may enhance L-theanine's effects, offering a boost in both focus and mental clarity.
InstaZen’s L-theanine blend (including lemon balm, saffron extract and DHH-B) can be taken twice per day. Doses by mouth of up to900 mg daily have been shown as safe for up to 8 weeks. However, there is no data available on the long-term safety of consuming L-theanine in high doses beyond this period.
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L-theanine may offer a natural way to support focus and attention without the potential side effects of conventional medications. Whether taken on its own or alongside other compounds like caffeine, this amino acid has demonstrated the potential to enhance cognitive function, promote relaxation, and improve mental clarity in various studies.
