What is the Difference Between Theanine and L Theanine

The main difference between theanine and L-theanine is that theanine is a non-protein forming, water-soluble, acidic amino acid, whereas L-theanine is the form of theanine found in green tea and certain mushrooms and is safe for human consumption. Furthermore, L-theanine is used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety.  

Theanine and L-theanine are two compounds in the glutamine class and are speculated to increase levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, which are the brain calming molecules.  

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Theanine
     – Definition, Structure, Importance
2. What is L Theanine
     – Definition, Structure, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Theanine and L Theanine
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Theanine and L Theanine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Anxiety, Glutamine, High Blood Pressure, L-Theanine, Theanine

What is Theanine 

Theanine is a non-protein forming amino acid in the same class of the proteogenic amino acid, the glutamine. Generally, there are two forms of theanine enantiomers. They are D-theanine and L-theanine. 

Figure 1: Tea Leaves

Although D-theanine does not occur naturally in foods, L-theanine occurs in green tea and some varieties of mushrooms.

What is L Theanine 

L-theanine is one of the two enantiomers of theanine. Moreover, it is a safe form for human consumption. Therefore, it is the form of theanine found in supplements. Besides, the other names for L-theanine are L-gamma-glutamylethylamide and N-gamma-ethyl-L-glutamine. Since theanine has a similar chemical structure to glutamine, it is speculated to increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. Furthermore, it interacts with some glutamate receptors. 

Figure 2: L-Theanine

Moreover, these neurotransmitters are responsible for the regulation of emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep. Also, they regulate appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills in the brain. Therefore, their increased levels by L-theanine helps for the relaxation of the brain and sleep. At the same time, L-theanine reduces stress and anxiety. 

Similarities Between Theanine and L Theanine 

• Theanine and L-theanine are two types of non-protein forming amino acids. 
• Both have a similar structure to glutamine.  
• Furthermore, their chemical formula is C7H14N2O3 and molecular weight is 174.2g/mol. 
• Also, they are slightly soluble in water. 
• Besides, both are moderately acidic. 

Difference Between Theanine and L Theanine 

Definition 

Theanine refers to an amino acid analog of the proteogenic amino acid, glutamate, primarily occurring in particular plants and fungal species while L-theanine refers to the form of theanine suitable for human consumption. Thus, this is the main difference between theanine and L theanine

Significance 

Moreover, theanine occurs in both D- and L-forms, while L-theanine is the form of theanine suitable for human consumption. 

Importance 

Also, another difference between theanine and L theanine is that the former is a non-protein forming amino acid, while the latter is used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety. 

Conclusion 

Theanine is a non-protein forming amino acid with a similar chemical structure to glutamate. It is soluble in water. Moreover, the two forms of theanine are L-theanine and D-theanine. Of these, L-theanine is safe for human consumption. Also, it is used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety. Besides, it naturally occurs in green tea and some mushrooms. Thus, the main difference between theanine and L theanine is structure and importance.   

References:

1. “L-Theanine – Pubchem.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “tea-leaf-china-green-tea-leaves-1309015” By DukeAsh (Pixabay License) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “L-Theanine” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia   

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