Best L-theanine Supplements (2023) 

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L-theanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid found in black tea, green tea, and other natural sources. In addition, L-theanine is a staple in some of the best supplements available in the market today, thanks to its wide array of health and wellness benefits. 

One of the most known advantages of taking L-theanine is that it increases the focus and attention of users if paired with caffeine. A study shows that the combination, with specific dosages, helped young adults focus better while undergoing challenging tasks. [1] 

Moreover, taking L-theanine may lower anxiety and stress levels, according to a study. [2] Another study also shows that those with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder experienced reduced anxiety. [3]

The consumption of L-theanine may also improve the sleep quality of users. In a 2018 study, participants had exceptional sleep satisfaction by taking 400 mg to 900 mg of the substance for 8 weeks. [4]

Additionally, more benefits are brought upon by said compound due to its impact on chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. [5] Some of those include blood pressure management, boosting cognitive performance, and cancer treatment.

Quick Summary

Best L-theanine Powder: MicroIngredients, L-Theanine Powder

Most Added Value: Brain MD, Everyday Stress Relief

Most Affordable Based On Price/Capsules Ratio: Double Wood Supplements, L-Theanine

Best L-theanine Supplements

Double Wood Supplements, L-Theanine

L-THEANINE CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$19/120

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule with or without food

Started in 2013 with a hangover prevention supplement, Double Woods Supplements is now a known brand with a wide range of other products. Also, the company further stands out because its supplements are backed up by third-party testing and a Certificate of Analysis, including this one formulated with L-theanine. 

This product aims to promote healthy stress levels and boost the overall mood of its users. Besides that, it can improve sleep quality as well. Taking this supplement may also offer relaxation without feeling sedated.

As for the feedback, the majority of the 300+ ratings are positive. Many are content with its impact on their everyday lives. Users with anxiety said it helps them calm down and removes the jitteriness when taking the L-theanine with coffee. Some also mentioned it makes them sleep better.

Brain MD, Everyday Stress Relief

L-THEANINE CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$50/120

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 4 capsules daily with food

Brain MD is a brand that’s led by one of the world’s leading neuroscientists, and its products are backed by science as the company creates formulas based on clinically-researched ingredients. Additionally, its products aim to achieve maximum potency, bioavailability, and optimal results.

The brand’s Everyday Stress Relief supplement strives to help its users reduce their stress and anxiety, especially during busy days. Also, aside from L-theanine, this supplement has holy basil extract, relora powder®, taurine, and magnesium. All of them work together to escalate the benefits as they have an impact on improving the overall mood, relaxation, and sleep quality.

Despite it being pricey, many users are happy with the results. They said it helps them calm down and feel less on the edge when they take these capsules. Additionally, plenty also mentioned that their sleep quality improved thanks to this supplement.

MicroIngredients, L-Theanine Powder

L-THEANINE CONTENT PER SERVING:

250 mg

PRICE/SIZE:

~$18/100 grams

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Get 1 full scoop, mix into your favorite drink, and consume one to three times daily

For transparency’s sake, all products of MicroIngredients, including this L-theanine supplement, come with USA lab test reports. Taking this L-theanine powder can improve concentration without giving users the jitters that they would get from energy drinks. It can also promote a state of relaxation, which can boost the overall mood of users. 

Regarding the feedback, the consensus is positive. Many of them cited that this supplement helps enhance their mood and gives them better focus. Some also said it improves their sleep quality. Based on their reviews, some mix this L-theanine powder into coffee or smoothies. 

NOW Foods, Double Strength L-Theanine

L-THEANINE CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$20/120

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule once to twice daily

NOW Foods is a trusted brand industry pioneered by a family to empower people and encourage them to live healthier lives. Its L-theanine supplement aims to give users a state of relaxation experience. Plus, it can help with promoting healthy vascular function. Thanks to its added ingredient of Inositol, it boosts the effects of this product.

As for the user experience, most of the 3,000+ ratings are positive. Many are content with how taking the capsules helps them calm down and gives them more clarity. They said it boosted their mood and reduced their anxiety.

Jarrow Formulas, Theanine 200

L-THEANINE CONTENT PER SERVING:

200 mg

PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:

~$16/60

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:

Take 1 capsule daily with water or juice on an empty stomach

Jarrow Formulas is a trusted brand known for creating superior formulas. Additionally, purity and potency are guaranteed thanks to the quality ingredients used in its products, and this Theanine supplement is no exception.

This supplement aims to promote relaxation without drowsiness afterwards, thanks to the Alpha-Wave Generation. It may also enhance the feeling of sensations due to the dopamine and serotonin boost.

The feedback for this is mostly positive, as many are happy with the results. They said it helps them sleep better and also calms them down. Further, some also mentioned it provides relaxation and lowers their stress levels. However, some did feel side effects.

What To Look For When Buying L-Theanine Supplements?

A user’s reaction to taking a supplement will differ from one to another, and it’s no different when it comes to L-theanine. One thing you can do is to find the right dosage for you, especially since this substance can affect your mood. Here are the dosages you can try:

• Continually pushed into stressful situations – 200 mg (5)
• Just want to feel more relaxed – 50 mg (6)
• Reduce anxiety – 200 mg twice a day (7)
• Improve sleep quality – 250 mg to 400 mg (5)

Moreover, to reduce the risks, you can always consult your doctor to advise you about the right dosage based on your needs. 

Another thing you can consider is the price. If you’re looking for a supplement that only contains L-theanine, choosing the least expensive may not be a big difference. But, you should also consider the quality if you choose the cheaper option. A good benchmark is if the L-theanine supplement contains Suntheanine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which form of L-theanine is best?

This may depend on your preference or your doctor’s advice. Some users prefer to consume it as tea, while others prefer the capsule form, which is more convenient.

How much L-theanine should you take daily?

As already mentioned, this will depend on your needs. Either follow the brand’s recommendation or talk to a healthcare professional.

Does L-theanine make you happy?

According to research and user feedback, it may impact the overall mood of users since L-theanine can boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.

When should I take L-theanine supplements for anxiety?

You should consult a healthcare professional to gain more input about taking L-theanine supplements based on your needs.

Can L-theanine supplements worsen anxiety?

Based on user feedback, some experienced side effects. But, generally, it’s unlikely to impact those consuming it negatively.

Again, talk to your doctor for better and safer results. This is to avoid interactions with other medications that may worsen your anxiety.

Bottomline: Best L-theanine Supplements

L-theanine is an amino acid known for reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, it may improve sleep quality as well. This guide can help you find the ideal best L-theanine supplement for your needs. You can find also the best L-theanine supplements with different price points and dosages here!

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing.  We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

• Giesbrecht, T., Rycroft, J. A., Rowson, M. J., & De Bruin, E. A. (2010). The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional neuroscience, 13(6), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1179/147683010X12611460764840
• Everett, J., Gunathilake, D., Dufficy, L., Roach, P., Thomas, J., Upton, D., & Naumovski, N. (2016, June). Theanine consumption, stress and anxiety in human clinical trials: A systematic review. Journal of Nutrition &Amp; Intermediary Metabolism, 4, 41–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2015.12.308
• Ritsner, M. S., Miodownik, C., Ratner, Y., Shleifer, T., Mar, M., Pintov, L., & Lerner, V. (2011). L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 72(1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.09m05324gre
• Williams, J., Kellett, J., Roach, P., McKune, A., Mellor, D., Thomas, J., & Naumovski, N. (2016, May 30). l-Theanine as a Functional Food Additive: Its Role in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Beverages, 2(2), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages2020013
• Nobre, A. C., Rao, A., & Owen, G. N. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 17 Suppl 1, 167–168.