LIVE FROM VITAFOODS: Study reveals benefits of Sunteanine amino acid
Taiyo product is derived from green tea
Researchers in Japan have demonstrated the calming effects of Taiyo's Suntheanine green tea derived amino acid on people experiencing chronic stress in a new study.
A single blind, placebo controlled study carried out at the University of Shizuoka’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, investigated the effects of L-theanine on the stress responses of fifth year pharmacy students during their first hospital practice – an environment that would normally create increased stress levels.
The subjects took 200mg of L-theanine or placebo (lactose) tablets twice daily for a period of 17 days: from one week prior to pharmacy practice to establish a base line and for the first 10 days of practice to measure effects over time. To assess the anxiety level of participants, salivery α-amylase activity (sAA) was measured as a marker of sympathetic nervous system activity.
The results demonstrated that subjective stress was 'significantly lower' in the theanine group than placebo, suggesting that L-theanine intake suppressed the initial stress response of students. Furthermore, students with higher pre-practice sAA showed significantly higher trait anxiety, which correlated to shorter sleeping time in both groups.
Suntheanine is a pure form of the amino acid L-theanine, found almost exclusively in green tea, that helps promote relaxation without drowsiness, improves sleep quality and enhances concentration. It is produced by fermentation to give a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine.
Josef Skrna, Managing Director at Taiyo GmbH, the European office of the Japanese company, said: 'Green tea has long been recognised for its calming and sleep-enhancing effects, and new research continues to provide scientific evidence to back up the folklore.'
Suntheanine is suitable for beverage applications, including juice, sports drinks and bottled waters, as well as dairy and confectionery.
Taiyo is showcasing its range of green tea ingredients at Vitafoods, including Sunphenon, offering strong relaxation, anti-oxidant and thermogenic activity; Sunfiber, a natural, soluble dietary fibre; and Sunactive Fe and Sunactive Zn, highly bioavailable mineral supplements.
