top of page
Blueprint with gears and technical drawings on a white background, engineering concept.
Madd Chemist Labs LLC logo, black and white design for a chemistry company.

L-Theanine

Calm focus and stimulation balance

Science and Ingredients — Formulation Research

This entry documents the biological mechanisms, human research, and formulation rationale for ingredients used in Steady Energy. Content is provided for transparency and educational purposes, not marketing.


Red cherries on rustic wooden surface, green leaves in background, vibrant and fresh.
Dried tea leaves and a cup of golden tea. L-theanine is derived from tea leaves

Category


Cognitive Energy and Stress Support


Why it's included


To promote calm, focused alertness and to balance stimulant effects during long workdays where sustained attention matters.



What it is


L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Unlike stimulants, it does not increase heart rate or perceived intensity. Instead, it influences brain activity in a way that promotes calm focus and mental clarity.


L-Theanine is commonly studied for its ability to support attention and stress regulation without causing sedation.



Mechanism of action


L-Theanine readily crosses the blood–brain barrier and influences neurotransmitter activity within the central nervous system. It has been shown to increase alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a relaxed but attentive mental state.


Additionally, L-Theanine modulates excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and influences levels of GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. These combined effects contribute to reduced stress perception while maintaining cognitive performance.


When paired with caffeine, L-Theanine has been shown to smooth stimulant effects by reducing jitteriness and improving task accuracy and focus.



Evidence overview


• Human studies demonstrate increased alpha wave activity associated with relaxed attention


• Shown to reduce subjective stress and improve focus


• Commonly studied in combination with caffeine for cognitive performance


• Typical effective doses range from 100 to 200 mg



Why this matters for long workdays


Long shifts often demand sustained attention under physical and mental stress. Excessive stimulation can increase anxiety, distractibility, or fatigue later in the day.


L-Theanine supports a calmer, more controlled form of alertness. This allows focus to be maintained without the overstimulation that can interfere with performance, decision-making, or sleep later on.



Role in Steady Energy


L-Theanine is included in Steady Energy to balance stimulant ingredients and support smooth, usable energy. Rather than amplifying stimulation, it helps regulate the nervous system response to caffeine and workload demands.


This supports the formulation goal of steadiness, allowing energy and focus to remain consistent across extended work periods.



References


Human studies and peer-reviewed research are cited where available.


  1. Nobre AC et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on human EEG activity.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328/


  2. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses in humans.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16930802/


  3. Yoto A et al. Effects of L-Theanine on stress responses and blood pressure in healthy adults.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23107346/


  4. Williams JL et al. A systematic review of the effects of L-Theanine in humans.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301/



This ingredient profile is part of the Steady Energy formulation research series.


Comments

bottom of page