Frequently Asked Questions

L-theanine is a unique amino acid found in tea, especially green tea (Camellia sinensis). Green tea has long been heralded for its health benefits. One of them is the sense of calm it can bring, thanks in part to the amino acid, L-theanine.*

Suntheanine is not an extract of green tea but rather is produced via a patented process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves, resulting in a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine.

Suntheanine is used as a supplement to promote mental and physical relaxation without inducing drowsiness.*

Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that Suntheanine is effective in the range of 50 to 200 mg. It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of stress consume a minimum of 100 mg for best results. There is not a set schedule for taking Suntheanine and can be taken as desired.

The effects of Suntheanine are generally felt within 30 minutes and have been shown to last up to 8 to 12 hours. Please note that if a person is already calm and relaxed, little to no effect will be noticed at any level of consumption.

Consumption of Suntheanine is not affected (positively or negatively) by the consumption of food. Suntheanine may be taken at any time.

Yes, chewable nutritional supplements that contain Suntheanine are available. During times of increased stress, give you pet the intended dosage of the Suntheanine-based products (see label instructions). The key is to give your pets the Suntheanine chewable 30 minutes before their situational stressor begins. This gives the Suntheanine time to start calming your pet before their “fight or flight” response kicks in.*

Suntheanine is absorbed in the small intestine via a sodium-coupled active transport process and crosses the blood-brain barrier where it is absorbed into the brain in a dose-dependent manner. Suntheanine may compete for absorption in the intestinal tract and brain with amino acids found in the methionine group, including isoleucine, leucine and valine. Concentrations of other amino acids are unchanged by Suntheanine.

Suntheanine plays a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and increases dopamine release through modulation of glycine and AMPA receptors. Suntheanine promotes a relaxation and excitatory inhibition effect without leading to drowsiness.*

It is difficult to obtain significant amounts of L-theanine by drinking green tea alone. Most of the benefits of L-theanine are experienced with doses between 50 and 400 mg while the typical green tea sold in North America contains less than 10 mg of L-theanine per serving.