Answers

L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine with caffeine

What they are, what they do, and why they are paired with caffeine

Caffeine on its own supplies alertness and brings jitteriness with it. The two amino acids on this page are why functional caffeine products exist at all rather than just selling caffeine: L-Theanine is associated with taking the edge off without sedating, and L-Tyrosine is a raw material the body uses to make the neurotransmitters caffeine draws on. Both occur in ordinary foods — tea and dietary protein respectively.

What is L-Theanine?

An amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves. It is the compound most often credited with why a cup of green tea feels different from a cup of coffee carrying similar caffeine — steadier, less sharp-edged.

What does L-Theanine do?

It increases alpha brain-wave activity, the pattern associated with being awake, relaxed and not agitated. In practice people take it for calm focus: present and attentive without the wired feeling. It is not a sedative and it is not a stimulant.

Why take L-Theanine with caffeine?

Because the pair does something neither does alone. Studies of the combination find better sustained attention and faster reaction time than caffeine on its own, alongside less of the jitteriness and anxiety caffeine can bring. Caffeine supplies the alertness; L-Theanine takes the edge off it. That pairing is the reason both are in Kaffgum rather than caffeine by itself.

What is the best ratio of L-Theanine to caffeine?

Most studies showing a benefit use between 1:1 and 2:1 L-Theanine to caffeine — so 100 to 200 mg of L-Theanine alongside 100 mg of caffeine. That is roughly the balance the two occur in naturally in good green tea. We are not publishing Kaffgum's own ratio while the formulation is in development.

Does L-Theanine make you sleepy?

No. It produces relaxed alertness rather than sedation, which is precisely why it pairs with caffeine instead of cancelling it. It does not cause drowsiness and it is not a sleep aid, though some people find it easier to wind down on.

Is L-Theanine safe?

It is widely used and well tolerated, with a long history of dietary exposure through tea. As with anything, people on medication or with a medical condition should ask a doctor first.

What is L-Tyrosine?

An amino acid found in ordinary protein foods — cheese, soy, meat, nuts. The body uses it as the raw material for dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, the chemicals most closely tied to drive and alertness. It is the third active in Kaffgum, alongside caffeine and L-Theanine.

Why does Kaffgum contain L-Tyrosine?

Because caffeine borrows alertness and L-Tyrosine supplies a raw material for it. Research interest in L-Tyrosine centres on demanding conditions — sleep loss, stress, sustained mental load — where the body draws down the neurotransmitters it is a precursor to. It is in the formula for the same reason L-Theanine is: it does something caffeine alone does not.

Is L-Tyrosine safe?

It is a normal dietary amino acid, present in everyday protein foods, and is widely used and well tolerated. As with anything, if you are pregnant, on medication — particularly thyroid medication or MAOIs — or managing a health condition, ask a doctor before adding it deliberately.

Other topics

Kaffgum is a sugarfree caffeinated chewing gum made in India, with caffeine, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine and vitamins B6, B12 and Niacin in every piece. See both flavours or read how it works.