L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally primarily in green tea leaves. In recent years, it has attracted interest for its relationship with relaxation, attention, and mental balance, especially among people looking to maintain concentration without resorting to an intense stimulating effect.
Its potential role as a complementary support in contexts related to hyperactivity, attention deficit, and ADHD has also been studied. The available evidence is still limited and L-theanine does not replace the diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up of a healthcare professional, but there is research that helps to understand why this amino acid generates interest.
What is L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found mainly in the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green tea and other types of tea come.
One of its most interesting characteristics is that it is studied for its ability to promote a state of relaxation without necessarily causing drowsiness. This distinguishes it from other ingredients that seek to promote calm but can be more sedating.
For this reason, L-theanine has aroused interest among people who seek to maintain a calm mental state without giving up the attention necessary to study, work, or carry out daily activities.
How L-theanine works in the brain
Scientific research has studied different mechanisms related to L-theanine and the nervous system. These include its possible influence on neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, as well as on certain pathways related to glutamate.
L-theanine consumption has also been linked to changes in alpha wave activity in the brain. These waves are often associated with states of relaxation and calm attention.
Therefore, when L-theanine is studied in relation to concentration or hyperactivity, the interest is not in inducing sedation, but in studying whether a state of greater calm can promote certain cognitive functions.
L-theanine and hyperactivity: why it generates interest
Hyperactivity can be expressed in different ways. In addition to increased physical activity, some people experience mental restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty maintaining attention, or problems "switching off" at the end of the day.
In this context, L-theanine has been studied primarily for its relationship with relaxation, rest, and certain aspects of attention.
This has led many families to become interested in L-theanine as a supplement within routines aimed at children's well-being and concentration, always as support and not as a substitute for professional follow-up when necessary.
What studies say about L-theanine and ADHD
The scientific evidence available on L-theanine and ADHD is still limited, so it cannot be considered a treatment for this disorder.
One of the best-known studies was published in 2011 and analyzed L-theanine supplementation in children diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers observed improvements in some objective parameters related to sleep quality.
This point is interesting because adequate rest is part of a healthy routine and can influence aspects such as well-being, mood, and the ability to maintain attention during the day.
Other studies conducted mainly in adults have investigated the relationship between L-theanine, relaxation, and cognitive performance. Its combination with caffeine has also been studied, although these results cannot be transferred directly to pediatric supplementation or attributed exclusively to L-theanine.
Overall, the available research allows L-theanine to be considered an interesting compound for further study, but it does not allow the claim that it cures ADHD or replaces established treatments.
L-theanine for children
When considering the use of any food supplement in children, it is especially important to respect the product's indications and take into account the recommended age.
At Teresa Pons, we offer L-Theanine Kids, a liquid format specifically designed to make it easy to incorporate into the daily routine of children aged 3 and up.
For children aged 3 to 12, the indicated dose is 5 ml per day. From 12 years of age onwards, the indicated dose is 10 ml per day. We recommend always following the instructions on the packaging.
When there is a diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, or another condition, or the child is taking medication, supplements should be used as support for professional follow-up, and it is advisable to consult with their doctor beforehand.
Teresa Pons options for children's calm and concentration
L-theanine can be used individually, but some families prefer to combine different supplements within the same routine.
For those looking for an option focused on hyperactivity and restlessness, the Hyperactivity Kids Pack combines L-Theanine Kids, Omega-3 Athion Plus, and Hyperactivity Bach Flowers.
For those mainly looking for a routine oriented towards calm and concentration, the Calm and Concentration Kids Pack combines L-Theanine Kids, Omega-3 Athion Plus, and Attention Deficit Bach Flowers.
Both packs are intended as supplements within a healthy routine and do not replace medical or professional monitoring when a diagnosis exists.
L-theanine and attention deficit
The ability to concentrate depends on numerous factors. Rest, stress, diet, emotional state, and level of activation can influence the ease with which a person maintains attention.
Precisely because of its relationship with a state of relaxation without drowsiness, L-theanine has generated interest in this area.
Its profile is different from that of stimulants. Instead of seeking intense activation, scientific interest has focused primarily on studying whether it can contribute to creating a calmer mental state that is compatible with concentration.
Advantages of the liquid L-theanine format
In children, one of the most important practical aspects of any supplement is that it be easy to take consistently.
The liquid format avoids the need to take capsules or tablets and makes it easy to measure the amount indicated for each age.
Teresa Pons L-Theanine Kids is recommended from 3 years of age and can be easily incorporated into the morning routine.
Can it be used together with Omega-3?
L-theanine and Omega-3 fatty acids are different supplements and can be part of the same nutritional routine.
At Teresa Pons, we use Athion Plus Omega-3 in our children's calm and concentration packs.
The pearls can be taken following the instructions on the packaging and, when the child has difficulty swallowing them, they can also be opened and mixed with a small amount of food or drink.
Does L-theanine cause sleepiness?
L-theanine is studied precisely for promoting a state of relaxation without necessarily causing sedation.
For this reason, many people use it during the day and not exclusively before sleep.
In the case of our L-Theanine Kids, we recommend following the indicated schedule and administering it preferably in the morning.
Can it replace medication for ADHD?
No. L-theanine is a food supplement and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medication or the follow-up of a healthcare professional.
If a child is undergoing treatment for ADHD or another condition, we recommend consulting their doctor before incorporating new supplements.
Conclusion
L-theanine is a natural amino acid that continues to arouse scientific interest for its relationship with relaxation, rest, and certain aspects of attention.
Regarding ADHD, hyperactivity, and attention deficit, the available studies are still limited and do not allow it to be considered a treatment. However, its profile and the existing research explain why many families are interested in it as a supplement within a wellness routine.
For children, Teresa Pons has L-Theanine Kids and two more comprehensive options: the Hyperactivity Kids Pack and the Calm and Concentration Kids Pack.
References and cited studies
1. Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR
The effects of L-theanine (SuntheanineÂź) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Alternative Medicine Review. 2011;16(4):348-354.
This study analyzed L-theanine supplementation in children with ADHD and observed improvements in some objective parameters related to sleep quality.
2. Kahathuduwa CN, Dassanayake TL, Amarakoon AMT, Weerasinghe VS
Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2017;20(6):369-377.
The study analyzed the acute effects of theanine, caffeine, and their combination on different cognitive and neurophysiological measures related to attention in healthy adults.
3. Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA
The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2008;11(4):193-198.
This work investigated the combination of L-theanine and caffeine and observed effects on certain tasks related to attention in healthy adults.
4. Giesbrecht T, Rycroft JA, Rowson MJ, De Bruin EA
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2010;13(6):283-290.
The study evaluated the effects of the combination of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and subjective alertness.
5. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN
L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-168.
This work studied the relationship between L-theanine and brain activity, including its association with alpha waves.
6. Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C
The neuropharmacology of L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2006;6(2):21-30.
Review of different neurochemical mechanisms studied in relation to L-theanine, including pathways related to GABA, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.