L-Theanine vs Suntheanine – Which Is a Better Brand to Buy?

L-Theanine and Suntheanine are two closely related nootropics that are often compared for their benefits and side effects.

Suntheanine is a derivative of L-Theanine, promoted as being a purer, more concentrated form and requiring a smaller dosage.

Taiyo International Inc., the maker of Suntheanine, says that Suntheanine uses a better fermentation process that leads to a higher quality product, but many are left to wonder if there is any difference.

Are there any real distinctions between natural L-Theanine vs Suntheanine branded supplements? Here’s use and benefit information on both compounds, with information from user reviews on which product people choose and why.

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

Top L-Theanine Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

L-Theanine – Uses and Benefits

L-Theanine is a naturally-occurring amino acid derived from the leaves of green tea.

It is classified as an anxiolytic compound, meaning it is psychoactive and capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and reducing the symptoms of anxiety.

It does this largely by stimulating neurochemicals which limit the nervous system’s over-firing responses. One of the neurotransmitters L-Theanine is known to stimulate is GABA, an amino acid which regulates metabolism and the transmission of stress messages.

L-Theanine also stimulates the synthesis of Dopamine in the brain, and may increase Serotonin levels, both of which can contribute to de-stressing the mind, relaxing muscles, stimulating pleasure centers, and creating a feeling of tranquility.

For all of these reasons, L-Theanine has become a very popular supplement. It’s natural, has little to no side effects, and does not build tolerances or addictions.

L-Theanine is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved L-Theanine as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

What Is Suntheanine?

Suntheanine is essentially a proprietary branded form of L-Theanine produced by Taiyo International, Inc., a green tea manufacturer from Japan. The makers of Suntheanine claim that their product is a pure form of L-Theanine that has been separated from another compound found in green tea, D-Theanine.

Some claim that D-Theanine has a slightly inhibitory effect upon the absorption of L-Theanine by the body. However, there is no research to conclusively show this.

In green tea, D-Theanine is naturally found alongside L-Theanine with no adverse effects and many of the same reported benefits. Why would the makers of Suntheanine make such a big point about purifying their product of one of its base components? As we’ll see below, there appears to be no qualitative difference in the battle of L-Theanine vs Suntheanine.

L-Theanine vs Suntheanine – Efficacy

Is there a difference in the effects one feels when using L-Theanine vs Suntheanine? This is obviously the most important question for anyone wishing to explore the world of nootropics.

Chemically, they work the same way. Both are analogs to Glutamine which increase the production of GABA and generate alpha brain waves.

Users have weighed in and reported that there is no quantifiable difference in the subjective experience of taking one compound versus the other.

Both generate anti-stress effects, both stimulate focus and creativity, and both create feelings of relaxation and peacefulness. Neither product produces notable side effects or tolerances.

Of course, as with all supplements, individuals have unique needs for dosage based on their bodies, tolerances, and goals. But there generally seems to be no significant difference between generic L-Theanine and branded Suntheanine.

L-Theanine vs Suntheanine – Price Comparison

The biggest difference of L-Theanine vs Suntheanine is clearly price. With content and efficacy basically the same, we took a look at the price comparison of the two products and found Suntheanine to be significantly more expensive than L-Theanine.

A typical 50 gram bottle of Suntheanine powder generally sells for at least 30 percent more than a comparable bottle of L-Theanine. Especially for frequent or daily users of the supplement, this price difference can really add up.

As long as you are buying L-Theanine from a trusted source, there is little reason to spend the extra money on a brand name.

L-Theanine – The Best All-Around Pick For Anxiety Relief

For thousands of years, people enjoyed the benefits of L-Theanine in the form of green tea, without the need for a middle-man to brand the compounds within it. Today, the modern user must balance benefits, efficacy, and of course, price, when choosing supplements, especially for daily use.

Nootropics can be effective for reducing anxious thoughts and stress, along with a host of other cognitive benefits. While the Suntheanine brand  does have greater name recognition, most users are able to derive the same benefits by taking generic L-Theanine at a lower cost.

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