The incorporation of L-theanine into RISE represents a strategic advancement in enhancing cognitive performance while maintaining balanced energy levels.

Unlike caffeine, whose primary action is to block adenosine receptors and stimulate the nervous system, sometimes to the point of overstimulation, L-theanine counterbalances this effect through a unique neurochemical profile.

Calm Focus Through Alpha Brainwaves

L-theanine promotes alpha brainwave activity, strongly associated with calm yet focused states of mind [1,2].

This synergistic interaction with caffeine results in a more refined form of stimulation: improved attention and sharper cognitive performance, but without the jitteriness or anxious edge often linked to caffeine alone.

Neurotransmitter Modulation

Research shows that L-theanine directly influences several key neurotransmitters. It increases GABA, dopamine, and serotonin availability, creating a neurochemical environment that supports both focus and relaxation [3,4].

This balance is particularly vital during demanding cognitive tasks, which often elevate stress and narrow focus. L-theanine helps widen that cognitive window, sustaining performance while reducing the cost on the nervous system.

Synergy with Caffeine

Controlled trials demonstrate that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine improves attention, working memory, and subjective alertness more than caffeine alone [5,6].

This dual-action approach allows the benefits of caffeine to be realised while minimising the risk of nervous overstimulation. As noted in the research this pairing provides “alert calmness”, an optimal state for both learning and productivity [7].

Circadian Health Benefits

From a circadian perspective, L-theanine plays a supporting role in sustaining the cortisol awakening response. By smoothing out caffeine’s edges, it protects nervous system stability later in the day, ensuring individuals can still transition into parasympathetic recovery modes as evening approaches [4].

In other words: it not only helps you start strong, it also helps you finish balanced.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Stability

L-theanine has also been shown to reduce stress-related symptoms and protect cognitive performance under pressure. Studies highlight its ability to decrease anxiety levels during demanding tasks, supporting mental clarity and emotional stability [8,9,2].

This is particularly relevant for high performers who need to maintain composure and make accurate decisions in stressful environments.

Why It Matters in RISE

By incorporating L-theanine in a 1:2 ratio alongside caffeine, RISE delivers a smarter form of stimulation: one that enhances focus, sustains attention, and regulates emotional equilibrium.

This approach reflects a broader performance philosophy, supporting activation in the morning without sacrificing nervous system resilience later in the day.

Looking Ahead: Creatine’s Role

Alongside L-theanine, RISE also includes creatine monohydrate, a compound long associated with physical performance but increasingly recognised for its role in cognitive health.

Creatine acts as an energy buffer, helping the brain maintain ATP availability during periods of high cognitive demand [10,11]. Together with L-theanine, this forms a foundation for daily energy management, sharper cognition, and improved resilience.

References

1. Owen, G., Parnell, H., Bruin, E., & Rycroft, J. (2008). The combined effects of l-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutritional Neuroscience, 11(4), 193-198. https://doi.org/10.1179/147683008x301513

2. Deshpande, S., Kurdi, M., Baiju, A., Athira, A., Sarasamma, A., & Gangadharan, A. (2024). Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and l-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients. Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology, 41(1), 112-118. https://doi.org/10.4103/joacp.joacp_417_23

3. Kim, S., Jo, K., Hong, K., Han, S., & Suh, H. (2019). GABA and l-theanine mixture decreases sleep latency and improves NREM sleep. Pharmaceutical Biology, 57(1), 64-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2018.1557698

4. Türközü, D., & Şanlıer, N. (2015). L-theanine, unique amino acid of tea, and its metabolism, health effects, and safety. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(8), 1681-1687. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1016141

5. Giesbrecht, T., Rycroft, J., Rowson, M., & Bruin, E. (2010). The combination of l-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience, 13(6), 283-290. https://doi.org/10.1179/147683010x12611460764840

6. Sohail, A., Ortiz, F., Varghese, T., Fabara, S., Batth, A., Sandesara, D., et al. (2021). The cognitive-enhancing outcomes of caffeine and l-theanine: a systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.20828

7. Bryan, J. (2008). Psychological effects of dietary components of tea: caffeine and l-theanine. Nutrition Reviews, 66(2), 82-90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2007.00011.x

8. Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., et al. (2019). Effects of l-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 11(10), 2362. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102362

9. Ota, M., Wakabayashi, C., Matsuo, J., Kinoshita, Y., Hori, H., Hattori, K., et al. (2013). Effect of l-theanine on sensorimotor gating in healthy human subjects. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 68(5), 337-343. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.12134

10. Li, Y., Zhang, Z., Loake, V., Bao, X., & Loake, G. (2024). Improvement of human and animal memory by synergy between fructooligosaccharide and l-theanine. Food Science & Nutrition, 12(7), 4966-4980. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4145

11. Zhang, Y., Wang, F., Wang, L., Zhang, L., Espley, R., Lin-Wang, K., et al. (2024). The response of tea grey blight disease pathogen Pestalotiopsis theae to exogenous l-theanine. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(6), 3493. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063493