L-Theanine Safety and Efficacy with Chemotherapy
Safety Profile
- L-theanine does not appear on any contraindication lists in major oncology guidelines for chemotherapy administration, as stated by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society for Medical Oncology 1, 2, 3
- Patients taking medications that affect blood pressure should consult with healthcare providers before using L-theanine due to its potential hypotensive effects, according to the American Heart Association 4
- L-theanine should be held for 24 hours before surgical procedures due to its dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure, as recommended by the American College of Surgeons 4
Patient Considerations
- Patients with low blood pressure should monitor their response when beginning L-theanine supplementation, as advised by the American College of Cardiology 4
- While evidence suggests potential benefits, patients should always inform their oncology team about any supplements they are taking, including L-theanine, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 5, 6