Ingredient detail
Ingredient context
L-Theanine is the fastest-acting ingredient in CALM, and its mechanism is unusually well characterised for a natural compound.
Evidence context
Multiple randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trials using EEG measurement have found that L-Theanine reliably increases alpha brainwave activity, the pattern associated with calm, relaxed alertness, within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, without the sedation associated with many calming agents. A randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial specifically measuring acute stress response found significant reductions in salivary cortisol alongside these EEG changes. Because L-Theanine's mechanism runs through glutamate receptor activity and GABA, serotonin and dopamine pathways rather than hormonal modulation, it carries a comparatively reassuring safety profile relative to Ashwagandha for anyone wanting a calming effect with less uncertainty.
Evidence
Named source, study type, strength, and limitations.
Suitability
Clear cautions and clinician guidance where required.
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