Derived from green tea, the new product is suitable for vegans and available in two strengths.
Abbey Tyrrell, Product Innovation Executive at Cambridge Commodities, says: “L-theanine is typically produced by chemical synthesis, so we wanted to create a range for customers that are looking to source L-theanine from green tea leaves.”
Varying amounts
L-theanine was first discovered in in 1949 as a constituent of tea. Over the years, various studies have found that it can help with anxiety, memory, mood and performance. For example, research from ingredient supplier Ethical Natural published in September 2021 suggested that L-theanine eased stressed among participants carrying out a mental arithmetic test.
However, according to Cambridge Commodities, Theanine is not abundant in many sources of food so it is hard to get the optimum levels from diet alone. In addition, although green tea contains between 30-50 milligrams (mg) of theanine per two or three cups, TheaGreen was introduced because the quantities found in green tea aren’t consistent.
Tyrrell adds: “To tackle the varying quantities, TheaGreen provides a concentrated and standardised dose of L-theanine in two strengths: 40% and 60%.”
Suitable for food supplements, TheaGreen can be added to cognitive function formulations for night and day products. It contains green tea extract and maltodextrin. A typical dose is 50 – 200 mg Theanine.
Caffeine combination
According to Cambridge Commodities, it combines well with caffeine for authorised EFSA health claims.
Specialising in supplying nutritional ingredients and finished products to the sports nutrition, health & wellbeing, pet & equine and food industries, Cambridge Commodities stocks more than 2,500 ingredients. This ranges from vitamins and minerals to proteins, superfoods and free-from powders.
In July last year, the company introduced a range of clear rice plant-based protein powders, with an aim to offer the market a plant-based solution that wouldn’t cause digestive discomfort. With a high profile of amino acid, each 14g serving provides 10g of protein.
In August 2020, Cambridge Commodities announced the addition of plant extract Calmaluma to its offering. clinically researched for its safety as well as its functionality, and available as a 90% water-soluble powder, the ingredient is suitable for use in capsules, powder blends and tablets.