Caffeine and L-theanine work together to activate the areas of the brain that help you pay attention, even when you’re doing boring stuff like reading websites. When caffeine binds with certain receptors, it leads to the release of neurotransmitters that act as stimulants (ex. Norepinephrine and glutamate)1.
L-theanine can bind glutamate receptors, blocking their stimulant effects. Additionally, L-theanine has been shown to help support relaxation2.
Consuming caffeine and L-theanine together can help support focus and attention. Clinical studies on selective attention have found that participants were better at filtering out distractions while completing tasks after consuming a combination of caffeine and L-theanine3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
- Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G. Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1992; 17:139—170.
- Bryan J. Psychological effects of dietary components of tea: caffeine and L-theanine. Nutr Rev. 2008; 66:82—90.
- Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB. Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2014; 72:507—522.