The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood
Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA
Published in Nutritional Neuroscience
Methodology
Randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial of 50 mg caffeine with and without 100 mg L-theanine on cognitive tasks and mood in healthy adults.
Key Findings
The caffeine plus L-theanine combination improved accuracy on attention-switching tasks, reduced susceptibility to distraction and lowered self-reported tiredness more than caffeine alone.
Conclusions
L-theanine with modest caffeine doses supports sustained attention and reduces subjective tiredness without the jitteriness of higher caffeine doses.
Limitations
Acute single-dose design; small sample; healthy young volunteers; industry funded.
Supplements Studied
Caffeine plus L-theanine improved attention-switching accuracy, reduced distractibility and lowered self-reported tiredness.
Outcomes Measured
Self-reported tiredness fell more with caffeine plus L-theanine than caffeine alone.
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improved speed and accuracy on attention-switching tasks and reduced susceptibility to distraction.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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