Buying L-Theanine in Canada – Uses and Regulation

L-Theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). It is now available as an independent supplement (extracted from C. sinensis).

In Canada, L-Theanine is regulated by Health Canada and overseen by the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD). The NHPD classifies L-Theanine as an ‘isolate’ and regulates it as a Natural Health Product.

The Natural Health Products Ingredient Database reports that L-Theanine is used to help temporarily promote relaxation. Noted doses range between 200 and 250 mg/day. [2]

In Canada, Natural Health Products like L-Theanine extract can only be legally sold if they are registered with the NHPD and have a product license.

If the product is manufactured in Canada, it must be produced in a location with a site license and must be made in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMPs). The NHPD also requires that product labels communicate information to consumers in a clear and understandable way. [1]

L-Theanine

Amino Acid

Focus

Stress

Brain Function

How It Works:

• Supports focus, attention & mood
• Helps to reduce stress & anxiety
• Neuroprotective & increases NGF

Dosage:

Between 100 - 250 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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L-Theanine Use in Canada

Theanine (L-gamma-glutamylethylamide) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, which means it is not used in the synthesis of proteins. There are 23 amino acids that are classified as proteinogenic, meaning the body uses them as the basis for protein construction.

As a non-proteinogenic amino acid, theanine is not required for human survival. However, it is a structural analogue to two proteinogenic amino acids: L-Glutamate and L-Glutamine.

Theanine is primarily found in plant and fungal species, particularly the plant Camellia sinensis. Green, black, white, yellow, and oolong teas are all made from varieties of C. sinensis but each tea is processed differently to produce the unique variety.

Processing practices can impact the chemical constitution of tea leaves: younger or fresher tea leaves are often richer in caffeine while older tea leaves have higher amounts of Theanine.

Green tea is commonly associated with high levels of L-Theanine. The consumption of green tea is common in most Asian countries. It is traditionally associated with feelings of well-being and calm.

Researchers are investigating the roles of both caffeine and L-Theanine in producing this calming experience commonly reported with tea consumption.

In Canada, L-Theanine has not been approved as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any conditions. L-Theanine is available as a dietary supplement. It is used for anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and to increase the effect of chemotherapy drugs. [3]

L-Theanine for Stress and Brain Power

There are two structural forms of Theanine that are mirror images of one another. These two different forms (called enantiomers) are L-Theanine and D-Theanine. L-Theanine is considered to be more easily absorbed by the body and is the more commonly used form in supplements.

Theanine appears to easily cross the blood brain barrier and has been observed to affect brain wave activity and neurotransmitter levels. [4]

L-Theanine has been observed to affect alpha brainwave activity 30-40 minutes after consumption. [5] This observation is used as indirect evidence for the effect of Theanine on stress and anxiety. [5]

In addition to studies on brain activity, L-Theanine has been observed to help reduce heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A responses during an acute stress test conducted as part of a research study (presence of immunoglobulin A is used as a reaction measure for the sympathetic nervous system). [4]

The researchers of the above study noted that many of the brainwave tests that connect L-Theanine to increases in alpha-wave activity were conducted when participants were at a resting or relaxed state.

In the study, L-Theanine was observed to cause anti-stress effects by inhibiting cortical neuron excitation. [4] They hypothesize that L-Theanine may be able to reduce the response of the sympathetic nervous system in times of stress, which may help reduce stress and anxiety; however, more research is needed.

More research is needed to rate the effectiveness of L-Theanine for stress and anxiety. While these preliminary trials have been promising, they have been conducted in highly controlled environments and the effect of the amino acid on relaxation, anxiety and psychological health needs to be further investigated.

Theanine for Blood Pressure

Theanine is sometimes used for hypertension (high blood pressure). In rat models of hypertension, 2,000mg/kg body weight delivered through injection was found to significantly reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. [6]

However, more research is needed to rate the effect of L-Theanine on human hypertension.

Should you Buy L-Theanine in Canada?

Consumer reviews of L-Theanine supplements are largely positive. In reviews on Amazon.ca and other online retailers, consumers frequently report reduced stress and improved quality of life with L-Theanine supplementation.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive database rates L-Theanine supplementation as “Possibly Safe” when taken orally for short periods of time. More research is needed before the safety and side-effects of L-Theanine are definitively established.

Health Canada does not list any cautions, warnings, contraindications, or known adverse reactions in its Theanine monograph. [2]

Speak with your doctor before taking L-Theanine to make sure the supplement is right for you. A medical professional will also be able to help you find a high-quality L-Theanine supplement in Canada or your particular region.

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