L-theanine

L-Theanine (CAS 3081-61-6), also known as N-Ethyl-L-glutamine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derived primarily from green tea.

Where is L-theanine used?

• Dietary supplements: primary active in stress-relief, sleep support and cognitive performance products
• Combined with caffeine in capsule or tablet formats for mental clarity
• Functional drinks, nootropic shots and fortified snacks for relaxation without sedation
• Pharmaceuticals: excipient with mild buffering capacity and active in OTC wellness preparations
• Personal care: moisturizing and antioxidant skincare, supporting humectancy and skin conditioning
• It is incorporated into commercial formulations as a bioactive ingredient.
• Its characteristic mild umami taste contributes to the taste profile in some functional beverage applications.
• Its high water solubility allows easy incorporation into powder mixes, capsule/tablet and beverage formulations.

Formulation notes

• Powder handling requires care to avoid eye and respiratory irritation.

Typical specification

• When extracted from the tea leaf, theanine is present mainly (up to 98.2%) in its L form.
• Easily soluble in water.

Regulatory status

• L-theanine extracted from green tea and used in food supplements is not considered a novel food under EU Regulation 2283/2015, because it has a significant history of consumption before May 1997.
• Use of L-theanine outside food supplementation requires a novel food application and evaluation by authorities because there is no history of consumption for that use.
• L-theanine obtained from sources other than green tea, such as chemical synthesis, is not authorised for use and requires a novel food application to EFSA.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be kept away from odorous substances and handled with clean, dry equipment under food-suitable conditions.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.