Is L-Theanine Safe?

Thinking of adding L-theanine to your daily or nightly routine? This amino acid, found in tea leaves, is quite popular among those searching for a way to de-stress and improve their sleep. Some also report having vivid L-theanine dreams as a result of taking the supplement.

Before you take a sip or pop any supplement, you probably want to know if it is safe. The US Food and Drug Administration says L-theanine is safe for most people when taken in moderation. However, it’s important to fully understand the pros and cons offered by the supplement and consult your healthcare provider to be sure if you are considering adding L-theanine to your regimen.

Potential Stress-Busting, Brain-Boosting Benefits

Let’s start with the good. Plenty of people agree that, just like a cup of tea, L-theanine offers a calming touch to your day while helping you stay sharp. Here’s how it can perk up your routine:

• Keep calm: A great way to soothe your stress, L-theanine seems to tell your body to relax without making you sleepy during the day.
• Stay focused: Need to sharpen your concentration? L-theanine is reported to be good for the brain and its focus, helping you stay on task and think more clearly.
• Better sleep: Does L-theanine help sleep? For those who struggle when they snooze, L-theanine may improve the quality of rest and even lead to more vivid, memorable dreams.
• Feel happy and healthy: By increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, L-theanine can lift your mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

Like any supplement, there’s always a possible risk. The good news is that side effects are not very common with L-theanine.

For most people, sticking to a dose between 200 milligrams and 500 milligrams a day is a good amount. Too much L-theanine could stir up some side effects like headaches, dizziness, or the jitters. So, before you brew a cup to wind down, figure out how much L-theanine is in green tea. Most cups of green tea only have around twenty milligrams, but it can’t hurt to double-check.

If you’re looking to enjoy the calm without any added worries, stick to the recommended amount or sip on tea rich in this amino acid. However, we always recommend checking with your doctor to make sure L-theanine is a good fit for you and your body.

What to Watch Out For

The FDA gives L-theanine the thumbs up for general safety. That said, it doesn’t offer any specific recommendations for how to use it safely. That means while L-theanine is still considered safe to use, it’s important to pick a high-quality product without any added fillers. Your health is never worth a gamble, so the quality of the L-theanine should be a key consideration in your purchasing decision.

While L-theanine may work for a lot of people, others should be careful about adding it to their routine. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding to be especially cautious or avoid L-theanine altogether. Research on how L-theanine impacts this particular group is still limited.

Is It the Total Package?

Plenty of people turn to L-theanine to stay calm or get a good night’s rest. They frequently report amazing results, but it won’t solve all your troubles.

At Optimal Circadian Health, we believe the best way to relieve anxieties and truly support your well-being is to focus on healing your mitochondria. If your little energy factory isn’t functioning at its best, you might find yourself tossing and turning at night. Regular exercise and a good diet can help you heal from the inside out.

Curious to learn more about how to give your mitochondria the tender loving care they deserve? Start by reading Sleep Apnea Solution: A Natural Way to Sleep CPAP-Free. You should also explore the additional resources offered by Optimal Circadian Health to explore the connection between your mitochondrial health and high-quality ZZZs!