As healthy aging goals evolve to consider total healthspan instead of simply living longer, the importance of remaining active is paramount.
People of all ages are discovering that maintaining strength, as well as cognitive agility, and true relaxation are important practices for living a vibrant life at any age.
In fact, a recent survey of 100 centenarians found that while cardiovascular activities like walking are still important, today’s 100+ year olds are also engaging in meditation or other stress relieving activities to maintain overall wellness, with the percentage rising from 29% to 42% over the same period.1
The truth is, cognitive health and meaningful, relaxed focus are important at any age, and a nutrition routine that includes support for stress and focus will contribute to a long, active healthspan.
Rise of nootropics in food and beverage
A renewed focus on total body wellness isn’t unique to the few among us who have successfully lived an active life into their 11th decade. Specifically in the area of mental wellness, recent trends promoting meditation, adequate sleep and access to therapists through smartphones demonstrate the wellness industry’s expanded definition of ‘being healthy’.
Functional nutrition is no stranger to this trend. Nooptropics, or compounds that enhance cognition and mental wellbeing, have emerged as a popular wellness category that is expected to grow by almost double, from $2.81bn to $4.68bn by 2030.2 The recent surge in pre-workout ready-to-drink (RTD) formulations helps to open the door for cognitive-focused functional ingredients that support active lifestyles.
At the same time, functional foods are also focusing more on cognitive-support ingredients, with snacks being a popular choice for adding nootropic benefits on-the-go. Category growth is also expected in functional foods, with nootropic-enhanced snacks expected to grow from $1.9bn in 2025 to $4.5 billion in 2033.3
Clinically studied L-Theanine: focus and reduced stress levels
Within the expanding nootropic category, high-grade, clinically studied L-theanine has emerged as one of the most researched and versatile ingredients for food and beverage applications. Naturally present in green tea, L-theanine has long been associated with a calm, focused mental state that feels distinct from stimulant-driven energy. AlphaWave® L-Theanine, supported by three clinical studies is perhaps the brand leader in this field.
These studies show that AlphaWave supports cognitive wellness by promoting a state commonly referred to as ‘relaxed alertness’. They confirmed that AlphaWave stimulates production of alpha brainwaves, electrical rhythms associated with calm, wakeful focus.
Alpha brain activity is typically observed during meditation or moments of creative concentration and has been linked to reduced stress and improved attention. L-theanine also modulates neurotransmission by supporting production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and influencing dopamine and serotonin activity, collectively helping regulate stress responses while maintaining mental clarity.
Growing role in sports and active nutrition
The relationship between stress and performance is becoming increasingly clear across wellness, sport and everyday fitness lifestyles. Elevated cortisol, chronic tension and poor sleep quality contribute to reduced reaction time, impaired recovery and diminished training adaptation.
The clincal studies showed that AlphaWave can help counter these challenges by lowering physiological stress biomarkers while preserving cognitive performance. Unlike sedatives or heavy stimulants, this ingredient does not induce drowsiness or agitation, but supports composure alongside engagement.
This combination of calm and focus has particular relevance in active nutrition. Pre-workouts, hydration beverages, protein snacks and functional coffees are increasingly formulated with mental readiness and focus in mind. AlphaWave fits naturally into this evolving product category.
Clinically-validated stress support
AlphaWave L-Theanine, the branded form of L-theanine from Ethical Naturals Inc. (ENI), stands apart for its depth of human clinical validation and quality credentials. Supported by three human clinical trials with another in progress, AlphaWave is produced through a proprietary fermentation and purification process beginning with non-GMO corn-derived sucrose, yielding material tested at greater than 98% purity. The quality of AlphaWave is unmatched among L-theanine options.
Clinical research continues to validate the benefits of AlphaWave for stress management, mental clarity and relaxation without drowsiness. The most recent study was conducted in 2024 and published in Neurology and Therapy.4 This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 30 moderately stressed adults over 28 days and demonstrated that daily supplementation with AlphaWave safely reduced perceived stress, improved sleep quality and enhanced attention and cognitive focus compared to placebo.
The outcomes reinforced AlphaWave’s established structure/function claims, including promoting calm alertness, reducing nervous tension and supporting mental performance.
These findings built upon earlier research published in 2021 in Neurology and Health.5 The study evaluated a single 200mg dose of AlphaWave in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 16 adults experiencing moderate stress. The investigators reported significant increases in frontal-region alpha brainwave activity, a marker of ‘relaxed wakefulness’, along with decreases in salivary cortisol, an objective indicator of reduced physiological stress, confirming both the acute calming effects and safety of AlphaWave.
The clinical foundation for AlphaWave was first established through a study conducted at the Wellington Sleep Investigation Centre, University of Otago, New Zealand, led by researchers in 2010. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed relaxation, clarity and stress response after a single 200mg dose.
Researchers measured alpha brainwave activity, heart-rate responses and psychological stress markers, finding that AlphaWave produced increases in tonic alpha power, indicating relaxed alertness, along with greater reductions in anxiety, fatigue and heart rate compared to placebo.
Collectively, these three independent, peer-reviewed studies demonstrate a consistent scientific profile for AlphaWave, showing both immediate and sustained benefits for stress reduction, calm focus and overall cognitive wellbeing.
Next-gen product development
Formulation versatility further strengthens AlphaWave’s position in functional foods. Available in both fine powder and proprietary granular formats, AlphaWave is fully soluble with neutral taste, making it ideal for beverage and functional food formulations. Stability investigations confirm a three-year shelf life in powder applications, with defined usage parameters supporting gummies, bars and ready-to-drink beverages. The heat-resistant powder is also an ideal addition to functional coffee formulations.
Quality oversight is central to AlphaWave’s differentiation in the market. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2025, ENI has produced AlphaWave for fifteen years. AlphaWave’s longevity has led to an extremely stable supply chain, ensuring consistent, high-value customer partnerships. Manufacturing occurs in cGMP and ISO/FSSC-22000 certified facilities inspected by the US FDA.
Lot testing is handled through ENI’s NSF Certified laboratory to ensure purity, consistency, and full traceability. Regulatory approvals include GRAS affirmation for food and beverage fortification, Canadian Natural Product licensing and exclusive approval by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
As the sports and active nutrition category shifts toward whole-body wellness and longevity, ingredients capable of linking mental resilience with physical output are shaping next-generation product development.
AlphaWave offers one of the category’s most complete packages of science, regulatory credibility and formulation flexibility, positioning it as a leading solution for brands focused on everyday cognitive and stress support through functional foods and beverages.
References
- UnitedHealthcare. 100 at 100 Research.
- BusinessWire. U.S. Nootropics Market Trends Analysis and Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030 - Workplace and Academic Pressures Propel Consumer Shift Toward Cognitive Supplements.
- HTF Market Insights. Global Nootropic Snack Products Market Size, Share & Growth Outlook, 2025-2033.
- Moulin, M.; et al. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave® L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurology & Therapy. 2024;13:1135–1153.
- Evans, M.; et al. A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Investigate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on Stress in a Healthy Adult Population. Neurology and Therapy. 2021;10(2):1061–1078.
