Nutrient Database

L-Theanine

amino acid

Approved

General information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

EveningFasting safe

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Overview

Amino acid found in tea. Often combined with caffeine.

Interactions

+
Theanine + Mg

L-theanine is an amino acid from tea that is studied for its effects on alpha brain wave activity. Magnesium acts on NMDA receptors. Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.

Top 5 food sources

Green teablack teamatchawhite teacertain mushrooms

Expert opinions

Dr. Andrew Huberman

Huberman recommends 100 to 400 mg L-theanine 30 to 60 min before bed as part of his evening stack alongside Mg threonate and apigenin. During the day he also pairs it with caffeine at a 1:2 theanine-to-caffeine ratio by mass. He notes it is generally safe and non-habit-forming, though people with low blood pressure should start low.

Recommended dose: 100–400 mg

Source: Huberman Lab

Expert profiles summarise publicly available statements. The named people do not cooperate with Stackwell and have not authorised these summaries. Not medical advice.

Expert consensus: Strong

Well studied and generally well tolerated.