What are the negative side effects of L-theanine?

Understanding the Negative Side Effects of L-Theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid predominantly found in green and black tea, has gained popularity for its potential benefits in promoting relaxation and enhancing cognitive function. While many users report positive effects, it is essential to consider the possible negative side effects associated with its consumption.
Limited Side Effects Reported
Overall, L-theanine is generally regarded as safe, with few confirmed side effects. Most studies indicate that it does not induce significant adverse reactions when taken in moderate amounts. However, some users may experience mild side effects, particularly when consuming L-theanine in conjunction with caffeine or in excessive quantities.
Potential Side Effects
1. Gastrointestinal Distress: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or discomfort, particularly when consuming large amounts of L-theanine or when it is ingested through tea that contains caffeine. This is often attributed to the caffeine content rather than L-theanine itself.
2. Irritability and Anxiety: Although L-theanine is known for its calming effects, there are anecdotal reports of irritability or increased anxiety in some users, especially when taken in high doses or in combination with stimulants. This paradoxical reaction may stem from individual sensitivity to the compound or its interaction with other substances.
3. Drowsiness: While L-theanine is often used to promote relaxation, it can also lead to drowsiness in some individuals. This effect may be more pronounced when taken in larger doses or when combined with other sedative substances. Users should be cautious about engaging in activities that require full alertness, such as driving, after taking L-theanine.
4. Interactions with Medications: Although L-theanine does not significantly affect the metabolism of drugs processed by the liver, it is still advisable for individuals on medication to consult healthcare professionals before starting L-theanine supplements. This is particularly important for those taking medications for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, while L-theanine is largely considered safe and beneficial for many, it is not without its potential side effects. Users should be mindful of their individual reactions and consult with healthcare providers if they have concerns, especially regarding interactions with other medications or underlying health conditions. As with any supplement, moderation and awareness of one’s body are key to enjoying the benefits while minimizing risks.

What happens if you take L-theanine every day?

It is not known if theanine is safe when used for longer periods of time. Theanine may cause mild adverse effects, such as headache or sleepiness. Theanine might lower blood pressure. In theory, theanine might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people prone to low blood pressure.

Why do I feel weird after taking L-theanine?

L-theanine may affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, sleep, and emotion, and cortisol, which helps the body deal with stress. A change in the balance of these chemicals can change a person’s mood or stress levels.

What medications should not be taken with L-theanine?

Theanine interactions
Some sleep medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien) may interact with L-theanine and cause more drowsiness. It may also interact with sedatives, stimulants, and medications for high blood pressure.

Does theanine affect the heart?

L-theanine increases the activities and expression of antioxidant enzymes. L-theanine increases the expression of Nrf2 and PPARα to protect the heart.

Can I take magnesium and L-theanine together?

For most people, it should be safe to combine L-theanine and magnesium, as both are safe at reasonable doses. The pair aren’t well studied together, but research does not indicate that taking them together would be a problem.

Is L-theanine hard on your liver?

L- Theanine prevents alcoholic liver injury through enhancing the antioxidant capability of hepatocytes.

What does L-theanine do for gut health?

Further studies have shown that L-theanine significantly increases the beneficial microorganisms in the ileum and jejunum, reduces harmful microorganisms, increases the height of the jejunal villus, enhances the content of tight junction protein in the duodenum, and improves the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Who shouldn’t take L-theanine?

It might cause mild side effects, such as headache or sleepiness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if theanine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: L-theanine is possibly safe when taken by mouth, short-term.

Does L-theanine affect heart?

L-theanine increases the activities and expression of antioxidant enzymes. L-theanine increases the expression of Nrf2 and PPARα to protect the heart.

Can L-theanine cause weight gain?

It is frequently combined with caffeine and sold as a dietary supplement that may assist in weight loss. Several studies have demonstrated that the combination of L-Theanine and caffeine can boost energy expenditure and metabolism, resulting in weight loss.