Amino AcidsL-Theanine

LTC-022 (Lactium and L-theanine) improves sleep maintenance and bedtime regularity in adults with sleep discomfort

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 40 adults with sleep discomfort, 8 weeks of LTC-022 supplementation did not significantly improve PSQI or ISI scores compared to placebo. However, sleep diary analysis showed significant reductions in wake after sleep onset (WASO) counts and earlier bedtime in the LTC-022 group, along with within-group improvements in total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency. Gut microbiome analysis revealed increased abundance of Blautia and Ruminococcus genera in the LTC-022 group.

Last updated: Aug 29, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Dietary supplementation with Lactium and L-theanine alleviates sleep disturbance in adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.

rct

Lim SE, Kim HS, Lee S, Kang EY, Lim JH, Kim BY, Shin SM, Baek Y · Frontiers in nutrition (2024)

Participants: 40
Duration: 8 weeks
Intervention: LTC-022 (commercial supplement containing Lactium and L-theanine) taken orally for 8 weeks
Outcome: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), sleep diary parameters (TIB, TST, SOL, SE, WASO counts, bedtime), gut microbiome composition
Effect Size: N/A (not reported in abstract)
Population: 40 adults experiencing sleep discomfort

Result: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 40 adults with sleep discomfort, 8 weeks of LTC-022 supplementation did not significantly improve PSQI or ISI scores compared to placebo. However, sleep diary analysis showed significant reductions in wake after sleep onset (WASO) counts and earlier bedtime in the LTC-022 group, along with within-group improvements in total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency. Gut microbiome analysis revealed increased abundance of Blautia and Ruminococcus genera in the LTC-022 group.

PubMed: 38953043DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1419978

Mechanism Graph

Lactium (milk-derived peptide) and L-theanine are ingested
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These compounds may modulate stress and neurotransmitter activity (e.g., GABA)
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Gut microbiota composition changes, with increased Blautia and Ruminococcus abundance
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Result: Improved sleep maintenance (reduced WASO) and earlier bedtime

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=40) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Primary outcomes (PSQI, ISI) showed no significant between-group differences; only secondary sleep diary measures showed effects
  • ⚠Dose of LTC-022 not specified in abstract
  • ⚠Microbiome changes were correlational; causal link not established

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LTC-022?▼

LTC-022 is a commercially available dietary supplement containing Lactium (a milk-derived peptide) and L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea.

Did LTC-022 improve sleep quality in the study?▼

The study found no significant differences in PSQI or ISI scores between LTC-022 and placebo groups. However, sleep diary analysis showed significant reductions in wake after sleep onset and earlier bedtime in the LTC-022 group.

How long was the study?▼

The study lasted 8 weeks, with participants taking LTC-022 or placebo daily.

What changes in gut microbiota were observed?▼

The abundance of the genera Blautia and Ruminococcus increased in fecal samples from the LTC-022 group, suggesting a potential link between these bacteria and sleep improvements.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Lim SE, Kim HS, Lee S, Kang EY, Lim JH, Kim BY, Shin SM, Baek Y. "Dietary supplementation with Lactium and L-theanine alleviates sleep disturbance in adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.." Frontiers in nutrition, 2024. PMID: 38953043 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1419978
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.