Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is produced in the body to combat pain and inflammation. Some scientists believe this fatty acid may boost natural cannabinoids and protect the nerves. Its purported health benefits are intriguing–but does solid evidence back them up? Read on to find out.

What is Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?

Overview

Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, is produced in the body naturally to combat pain and inflammation. Many animals and plants also produce PEA. The highest amounts can be found in soy lecithin, soybeans, egg yolk, peanuts, and alfalfa [1].

PEA is classified as a dietary supplement and has not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In general, dietary supplements lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

As a supplement, PEA is available in tablet, capsule, and powder form. In Italy and Spain, PEA is marketed as a food for special medical purposes [2].

However, most PEA supplements available to consumers are of synthetic origin. Hence, they do not fall under the category of “natural supplements.” Instead, the FDA considers them unapproved drugs.

Since its discovery in the 1950s, researchers have been curious about PEA. It shows promise as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory, though large-scale safety and efficacy data are still lacking. Nonetheless, many consumers hope PEA will ease their chronic and neuropathic pain [3].

The clinical studies published to-date explored the effects of PEA on complex pain. Despite their efforts, a number of these studies had major drawbacks (such poor design, low quality, or small sample size). Larger, multi-center studies are needed to confirm the effects of PEA on different types of pain [3].

Scientists are also investigating the effects of PEA on activating the cannabinoid receptors. Limited research suggests PEA might support brain, heart health, and immune health. But much more research remains to be carried out [1, 4].

PEA is a fatty acid amid like anandamide, the main cannabinoid bliss molecule your body makes. Unlike regular fats, amide-containing fatty acids like PEA and our cannabinoids are directly involved in nerve communication. These intriguing and recently-discovered molecules are called “neuroactive lipids” [5].

Mechanism of Action

PEA activates the energy-boosting, fat-burning, and anti-inflammatory PPAR alpha. By activating this key protein, PEA stops the activity of pro-inflammatory genes and the production of many inflammatory substances [2].

PEA reduces the activity of the bliss gene FAAH that breaks down natural cannabinoid anandamide. This increases the levels of calming anandamide in your body,