Why Is This Ingredient Here? L-Theanine and Midday Boost by Jenna Werner, RD

When most people think about an energy drink or energy supplement, they think about one ingredient: caffeine.

If you are here, you already know we are trying to change the way people think about energy and especially the overuse of caffeine.

So with that, it is no surprise that one of my favorite ingredients in Day/Dream Midday Boost isn't actually the caffeine.

It's L-theanine.

If you've never heard of it before, you're not alone. Despite having a growing body of research behind it, L-theanine is still one of the lesser-known ingredients in the wellness space. But if you have drank tea before you have probably tried it! 

So let's take a closer look at what it is, why it's included in Midday Boost, and what the research actually says.

What Is L-Theanine?

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in green and black tea leaves.

People usually talk about how drinking tea often feels different than drinking coffee, and L-theanine is one reason why.

Unlike caffeine, L-theanine isn't a stimulant. It's an amino acid that has been studied for its potential to promote a state of calm alertness, a feeling that's focused without being overly stimulated aka the perfect thing to fight your midday slump.

Some research suggests that when paired with caffeine, it may help reduce the jittery or overstimulated feeling that caffeine alone can produce in some people (Haskell et al., 2008; Owen et al., 2008).

How Does It Work?

Caffeine’s main effect is on our brain, we know this, but what you may not know is that it works by being the defenders of the receptors that the neurotransmitter adenosine, a brain chemical that builds up throughout the day and signals it's time to feel sleepy would normally bind to. With those receptors temporarily blocked, you feel more awake and alert and 

L-theanine doesn't replace caffeine or give you more energy. Instead, it appears to complement caffeine by creating a more balanced experience.

One of the things I found most interesting while reading the research is that these two ingredients seem to work better together than either one does alone. 

Studies have found that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine may support attention, focus, and cognitive performance more than caffeine alone (Haskell et al., 2008; Owen et al., 2008).

While everyone's response is different, that's one of the reasons you'll often hear people describe the pairing as providing a smoother, more sustained feeling of energy and focus.

The Bigger Picture

As a registered dietitian, I always remind people that no supplement replaces the foundations of good health, but a supplement can absolutely support your health and help fill gaps when appropriate. Plus what a win that drinking day/dream also supports increased hydration status too!

I always come back to what I call the Five Pillars of Wellness: quality sleep, consistent nutrition, hydration, movement, and stress management. Those habits are your foundation because they're what support steady, sustainable energy day after day.

But being what I like to call a realistic dietitian, I also know life happens.

Maybe you were up with your kids all night.

Maybe work has been overwhelming.

Maybe you're traveling.

Maybe you're juggling a million responsibilities and simply need a little extra support.

Even when you're prioritizing those five pillars, there are days when you could use a little support and there's nothing wrong with that.

That's why I appreciate products that take a thoughtful approach to energy. Instead of asking, "How can we add more caffeine?" they ask, "How can we make caffeine work smarter?" and “how can we help our clients feel their best?”

And if you're reading this, you've found a brand that understands that philosophy.

Why L-Theanine Belongs in Midday Boost

L-theanine isn't included to create more stimulation.

It's included to help complement the caffeine that's already there.

Rather than relying on large amounts of caffeine to power through the day, Midday Boost pairs a moderate amount of natural caffeine with ingredients like L-theanine that have been studied for their complementary effects on focus and alertness. This combo and the amounts were chosen to give you that midday boost you need, but also not compromise your precious sleep that is only hours away; like how another cup of coffee or *gasp* an energy drink delivering much more caffeine at that time would. 

Excited to hear how you feel and what you think!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.