Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA for short, is a fatty acid compound naturally found in foods such as egg yolks, soybeans, and peanuts. It belongs to the family of endocannabinoid-like compounds, although it does not directly bind to classic cannabinoid receptors. Instead, PEA works through other mechanisms, particularly by modulating the anti-inflammatory PPAR-α receptor..
Health Benefits of PEA
PEA has been studied since the 1970s and is now considered a promising active ingredient for various chronic pain conditions and inflammatory diseases. Potential health benefits include:
- Pain relief from chronic pain, such as back pain, neuropathic pain, or fibromyalgia
- Inhibition of inflammation without the side effects of classic NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Support for neurodegenerative diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis B. Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis
- Reduction of symptoms in infections or post-viral complaints, such as long COVID
PEA is particularly interesting for people looking for a natural alternative to painkillers – with a good safety profile and no risk of addiction.
Scientific studies on PEA
A 2017 meta-analysis (Gabrielsson et al., Pain) showed that PEA in various formulations provides significant pain relief in chronic pain patients – without serious side effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28727699/
A 2013 double-blind study (Keppel Hesselink et al., Pain Physician) with patients with sciatica pain demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms by taking PEA for eight weeks.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23166447/
PEA is also being researched in connection with long COVID: Its anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce post-viral symptoms, especially neurological complaints.
https://examine.com/research-feed/study/9QWOM1/
PEA in Holistic Animal Treatment
PEA is also successfully used in companion animals, especially dogs and cats, primarily to relieve pain, inflammation, and neurological symptoms. It is considered well-tolerated and is already used in veterinary supplements or veterinary medicines in some countries. PEA can also help pets with anxiety.
Some veterinary studies, primarily from Italy and the Netherlands, have demonstrated the positive effects of PEA in dogs with osteoarthritis or skin diseases. The substance appears to have a similar effect to its effects in humans – via anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving mechanisms.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9496254/
Fun Fact
PEA was discovered in egg yolk in the 1950s – and was underestimated for a long time. Only modern research has revealed that the body produces increased amounts of PEA during inflammation – as a natural protective mechanism. However, in chronic inflammation, this mechanism no longer seems to function sufficiently, which is why supplemental PEA intake can be therapeutically helpful.
Our Products
We offer several PEA particle sizes. Please contact us for your non-binding offer.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.