A new study shows supplements containing L-Theanine may improve measures of cognitive function like memory and attention in older and middle aged adults.
Almost 70 middle aged and older men and women participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study. The study lasted for 12 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 100.6 mg dose of L-Theanine or a placebo. Researchers set the dose at 100.6 mg for the purpose of clearly showing the benefits of supplementing L-Theanine by itself. A cognitive test called Cognitrax was given to assess cognitive function after the first dose and again after the 12 week study period.
Study results showed the single L-Theanine dose was associated with reductions in reaction time to the attention tasks as well as increases in the number of correct answers given by participants and decreases in the number of omission errors in tasks associated with working memory. Cognitive improvements which included executive functions in both middle-aged and older adults who self reported some cognitive function declines were seen.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is believed to help improve sleep quality, promote relaxation and help reduce stress. L-Theanine is found in tea leaves but in low concentrations (less than 2%). This means you cannot get an effective dose of L-Theanine (100-200 mg/day) by just drinking tea.
Prior studies have shown similar results including L-Theanine’s ability to boost verbal fluency, support stress related symptoms like sleep issues, anxiety-traits, and depression.
Further studies are needed.
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