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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L-Theanine wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Glycine and L-Theanine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
3g before bed
30-60 minutes before bed
Powder (dissolves easily, tastes sweet)
100-200mg
Morning with coffee for focus, Evening for relaxation, As needed for stress
Suntheanine® capsules or powder
First night
Next morning
First night
Immediate
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
Varies
The effect of glycine administration on the characteristics of physiological systems in human adults: A systematic review
GeroScience (2024) · Systematic review · n=34
The nervous system demonstrated the most positive effects, including improved psychiatric symptoms from longer-term glycine administration in psychiatric populations.
Glutamatergic drugs for schizophrenia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2006) · Meta analysis · n=132
NMDA receptor co-agonists glycine and D-serine showed some effects in reducing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia (n=132, SMD -0.66, CI -1.0 to -0.3, p=0.0004), but the magnitude of the effect was moderate.
Ingestion of a Whey Plus Collagen Protein Blend Increases Myofibrillar and Muscle Connective Protein Synthesis Rates
Medicine and science in sports and exercise (2025) · Rct · n=14
In addition, myofibrillar protein synthesis rates were higher in BLEND compared with PLA in both the rested (0.038 ± 0.008 and 0.031 ± 0.006%·h -1 , respectively; P < 0.05) and exercised (0.052 ± 0.011 and 0.039 ± 0.009%·h -1 , respectively; P < 0.01) leg.
The effects of L-theanine consumption on sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sleep medicine reviews (2025) · Meta analysis · n=897
The findings indicate the potential use of L-theanine in the management of sleep disturbances; however, the lack of studies on "pure" L-theanine warrants further investigation.
Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2025) · Systematic review
The evidence revealed the potential use of supplements as complementary ADHD treatments under clinical guidance.
Analysis of the Effects of Known Sleep-Support Supplements in Relation to Life Habits, Sleep Conditions, and Sleep Problems
Nutrients (2023) · Rct · n=160
All the tested supplements were found to ameliorate sleep problems significantly (Analysis 1).
Based on systematic review showing nervous system benefits. Limited specific RCT data for sleep outcomes. Effects may vary significantly between individuals.
Meta-analysis (n=897) and multiple RCTs support sleep benefits. Studies often used L-theanine in combination with other compounds, limiting pure L-theanine effect attribution. Effects include reduced sleep onset latency and improved subjective sleep quality.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
L-Theanine has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
For improve deep sleep quality, Glycine has a higher relevance score (95 vs 60).
No known interactions between Glycine and L-Theanine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.