Palmitoylethanolamide
OTHER NAME(S): N-palmitoylethanolamine, palmitoylethanolamide, PEA
Overview
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and some foods. It is also available as an over-the-counter supplement that is commonly used to help with chronic pain. It may also be used for other purposes, but its benefits for these other uses are not well defined. The most common side effect of PEA is an upset stomach. Before taking PEA, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) used for?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is commonly used for chronic pain. It is also used for many other reasons, such as trouble sleeping (insomnia) and mental health problems, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed PEA for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does PEA work (mechanism of action)?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a type of chemical known as a fatty acid amide that is naturally made by your body. It is also found in certain foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, and peanuts. PEA plays an important role in reducing swelling (inflammation) and helping your cells make energy. Dietary supplements that contain PEA are usually made in a lab (synthetic).
PEA works by binding to certain receptors in your body and brain. These receptors are similar to the receptors that cannabidiol (CBD) may bind to. Since CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp, PEA is sometimes referred to as a cannabinoid-like chemical. However, CBD and PEA are not the same and do not seem to have the same effects in the body.
One of the most common uses of PEA is the management of chronic pain. Most research shows that PEA may help reduce certain forms of pain by a small amount, but it may take one to two months to see any benefit. It is not clear if PEA is more or less helpful than over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines. Studies have included people with endometriosis, low back pain, osteoarthritis, nerve pain from diabetes, and more. But it is not clear whether PEA helps with some forms of chronic pain more than others.
Since PEA can bind to receptors in the brain, it is sometimes used as an add-on treatment in people who are taking medicines for certain mental health problems, such as mania, depression, and schizophrenia. However, its benefits for these uses are not well defined, and research is limited.
There is also interest in taking PEA to help with sleep problems. But research shows that it may not work any better than a placebo (a pill with no medicine).
How should I store PEA?
You should store PEA according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of PEA?
The most common side effect of PEA is an upset stomach. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of PEA that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of PEA?
While less common, the most serious side effects of PEA are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. PEA may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking PEA and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use PEA?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use PEA.
- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific PEA products they stock.
What should I know about PEA before using it?
PEA is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep PEA out of the reach of children.
If you are taking PEA powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully, and mix the powder with the amount of fluid stated on the label.
Some forms of PEA are “micronized,” meaning that they have been processed to reduce the size of the particles in the product. Another form of PEA, called “ultra-micronized” PEA, is processed to reduce the size of the particles even more. Your body may absorb micronized PEA better than the PEA found in foods. But it is not clear if your body absorbs ultra-micronized PEA any better than micronized PEA.
The FDA has not tested PEA products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using PEA?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if PEA is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how PEA could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if PEA passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does PEA interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between PEA and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect PEA.
Does PEA interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between PEA and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between PEA and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with PEA is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking PEA with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much PEA?
If you or someone else has used too much PEA, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
PEA is available in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take PEA safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health: “Palmitoylethanolamide supplementation for human health: a state-of-the-art systematic review of randomized controlled trials in patient populations.”
- Drug Design, Development and Therapy: “Palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of pain and its clinical application prospects.”
- Nutrients: “Extended treatment with micron-size oral palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” “Palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials,” “The efficacy of palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) on the incidence and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection: a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.”
- Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences: “Efficacy and safety of palmitoylethanolamide as an adjunctive treatment for acute mania: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”
- Sleep Science and Practice: “Palmitoylethanolamide for sleep disturbance. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled interventional study.”
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology: “Efficacy of topical palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) for the management of eczema symptoms: a double-blind, comparator-controlled, randomized clinical trial.”
- Women & Health: “Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) for acute menstrual pain: a randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled trial.”