L-Theanine & B6 for Tourette's: Can It Help Tics & Anxiety?

observational-study PMID: 35215501

Quick Summary: A small study found that a combination of L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 might help reduce tics and anxiety symptoms in children with Tourette Syndrome. While both groups improved, the supplement group showed greater improvement in tic severity.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at whether L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 could help kids with Tourette Syndrome (TS) or chronic tic disorder (CTD) who also experienced anxiety. They found:

Kids taking L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 showed a bigger decrease in the severity of their tics compared to those who received psychoeducation.

Both groups saw improvements in anxiety symptoms, but the difference between the groups wasn't as clear.

Study Details

Who was studied: 34 children (mostly boys) aged 4-17 with Tourette Syndrome or chronic tic disorder and anxiety.

How long: The study duration is not specified in the abstract.

What they took: Some children took L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 supplements, while others received psychoeducation (therapy). The exact dosages of L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 were not specified.

What This Means For You

If your child has Tourette's and struggles with tics and anxiety, this research suggests that L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 might be helpful. However:

Talk to your doctor first. This study is a starting point, not a definitive answer.

Don't stop any current treatments. This study suggests a possible addition to existing care, not a replacement.

Be patient. It's important to have realistic expectations.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this study has some limitations:

Small size: Only 34 children participated, so the results might not apply to everyone.

No placebo: The study didn't use a placebo (a "dummy" pill). This makes it harder to know if the supplements were really the reason for the improvement.

Open-label design: The researchers and participants knew who was taking the supplements, which can influence the results.

Dosage and Duration: The exact dosages and duration of the treatment were not specified.

Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements or treatments.

Key Findings

This pilot study found that supplementation with L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 reduced tic severity and co-occurring anxiety symptoms in children with Tourette syndrome (TS) or chronic tic disorder (CTD). While both groups (supplement and psychoeducation) showed improvements, the L-Theanine/B6 group demonstrated statistically significant greater reductions in clinician-rated tic severity. Anxiety improvements were observed in self-reported or neuropsychological measures but did not reach clinician-rated significance. The authors emphasize the need for placebo-controlled trials to confirm these results.

Study Design

The study was an open-label, randomized trial involving 34 children (30 boys, 4 girls) aged 4–17 years with TS/CTD and anxiety symptoms. Participants were assigned to receive either L-Theanine/Vitamin B6 supplements or psychoeducation (PE) over an unspecified duration. Outcomes were assessed using clinician-rated tic severity scales and neuropsychological evaluations for anxiety.

Dosage & Administration

The provided summary does not specify exact dosages of L-Theanine or Vitamin B6 used, nor the administration protocol (e.g., frequency, duration of supplementation). This lack of detail limits reproducibility and clinical application.

Results & Efficacy

Both groups showed reductions in tic and anxiety symptoms. However:
- Tics: The L-Theanine/B6 group had significantly greater improvements in clinician-rated severity (p < 0.05 unspecified).
- Anxiety: Supplementation improved anxiety in neuropsychological findings (e.g., self-reported or parent-reported measures), but clinician-rated anxiety severity did not reach statistical significance.
The combination of L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 appeared more effective than psychoeducation alone for tic management, though anxiety outcomes were mixed.

Limitations

Open-label design: Lack of blinding introduced performance and detection bias.
No placebo control: Psychoeducation was an active comparator, not a placebo, making it unclear if benefits exceeded natural fluctuations or placebo effects.
Small sample size: Only 34 participants (with a gender imbalance: 88% boys) limit generalizability.
Unspecified duration and dosages: Critical details for assessing intervention feasibility and efficacy were missing.
Short-term focus: Long-term safety and sustained efficacy remain unknown.
Future research should address these gaps with double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and standardized dosing.

Clinical Relevance

For children with TS/CTD and anxiety, L-Theanine and Vitamin B6 may offer adjunctive benefits for tic management and self-reported anxiety. However, the absence of placebo control and small sample size mean these results should not replace evidence-based therapies. Parents and clinicians should approach supplementation cautiously, prioritizing individualized assessment and monitoring. The study highlights a potential role for nutritional interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders but underscores the need for rigorous follow-up trials.

Source: PubMed (2022), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35215501/.