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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L-Theanine vs Phosphatidylserine: L-Theanine has the stronger overall evidence (6 vs 6/10); they're alternatives for reduce anxiety & stress — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
L-Theanine wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Too few graded studies
1 of 1 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Too few graded studies
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L-Theanine and Phosphatidylserine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
100-200mg
Morning with coffee for focus, Evening for relaxation, As needed for stress
Suntheanine® capsules or powder
100-300mg daily
With meals, Evening or post-workout for cortisol
Soy or sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
Varies
4-12 weeks
2 weeks
4-8 weeks
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).
Effects of a food supplement containing phosphatidylserine on cognitive function in Chinese older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Journal of affective disorders (2025) · Rct · n=190
The capsule combined phosphatidylserine (63 mg/day) with α-linolenic acid, ginkgo flavonoids, vitamins B1 and B6 and folic acid, taken for 12 months. The effect cannot be credited to phosphatidylserine alone.
Phosphatidylserine containing omega-3 fatty acids may improve memory abilities in non-demented elderly with memory complaints: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders (2010) · Rct · n=157
157 participants were randomized to receive either PS-DHA or placebo for 15 weeks.
Phosphatidylserine for the Treatment of Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (2021) · Meta analysis · n=216
Four studies met the inclusion criteria for the narrative review (n = 344) and three for the meta-analysis (n = 216).
Single-dose trials of L-theanine alone. In a crossover trial of 27 young adults given 100, 200 and 400 mg (PMID 32777998), only 400 mg shortened the P3b attention signal, and no dose changed reaction time. In a crossover trial of 20 healthy men, 200 mg improved recognition reaction time (PMID 26869148). In a crossover trial, 250 mg alone raised headache ratings and lowered correct serial subtractions, and the benefits came with caffeine (PMID 18006208). Most cognitive gains in this literature are for L-theanine combined with caffeine, which this curve does not show. The 400 mg ceiling rests on an 8-week trial of 80 schizophrenia inpatients, where side effects at 400 mg a day matched placebo (PMID 37697164). No trial found a best dose.
The dose points come from one randomised, double-blind trial of 78 Japanese adults aged 50 to 69 with memory complaints (PMID 21103034), who took 100 mg or 300 mg a day of soy-derived phosphatidylserine or placebo for 6 months. Test scores rose similarly in all groups, placebo included, so neither dose is shown to beat placebo. Memory scores rose from baseline on both doses only in people with low baseline scores, a within-group result. No side effects and no change in blood markers were seen, which is why the ceiling is 300 mg. The PS-DHA memory trial (PMID 20523044, 157 older adults) states no dose, the 190-person trial in mild cognitive impairment (PMID 39317299) gave 63 mg inside a multi-ingredient capsule, and the pooled 200 to 300 mg effect on inattention (PMID 33539192) is in children with ADHD, so none of them can sit on this curve.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
L-Theanine has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, L-Theanine has a higher relevance score (85 vs 65).
No documented interaction was found in the data searched. This does not establish that this exact combination is safe.
The honest tier list — proven staples vs situational vs mostly marketing. The hub the other guides feed into.
Caffeine+L-theanine works; bacopa needs weeks; most "brain pills" are hype. The honest tier list.
Ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, saffron — what actually helps stress, and the safety caveats.
Melatonin, magnesium, glycine, L-theanine — tiered by evidence, plus a wind-down timeline.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.