Glutamate, anxiousness, and stress
Fluctuations in glutamate activity are associated with anxiousness and stress
„ Stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which releases glucocorticoids that affect brain function
„ Data shows that the healthy brains of both pediatric and geriatric populations are particularly susceptible to stress L-theanine acts as a glutamate receptor antagonist for balanced activity
„ L-theanine binds to glutamate receptors (AMPA, kainate, and NMDA receptors) and blocks the binding of glutamate to its receptors to promote balance

L-theanine improves healthy sleep efficiency
Data on the effects of L-theanine revealed
„ In individuals 8-12 years old, servings of L-theanine (200mg) twice daily (morning and afternoon) increased healthy sleep efficiency (percentage of night spent sleeping restfully) and reduced nocturnal motor activity, supporting balance
„ In adults, a single serving of L-theanine (200mg) reduced feelings of stress under mental strain and promoted balance