Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Also known as: palmitoylethanolamide, PEA, palmidrol, micronized palmitoylethanolamide, Levagen

Confidence

research strength

ASolid confidence736 studies referenced

Latest evidence update: 2025-07-01

Strongest in Consistency (95). Held back by Sample size (58).

Study quality (37%)

Study design (21%)

Risk of bias (16%)

Mostly meta-analyses and well-designed RCTs.

Replication (26%)

Cross-study replication (21%)

Precision (5%)

Good cross-study replication, some imprecision.

Sample size (16%)

Thousands of participants across the literature.

Consistency (11%)

Studies agree on direction of effect.

Recency (10%)

Most studies are recent (last 2-3 years).

Effect by outcome

how big the change is

No quantified outcomes yet. Once we have studies with measurable endpoints, you will see per-outcome magnitude here.

Directional evidence

Areas where research points to a consistent direction of effect. The strength of evidence is graded; the size of the effect is not quantified.

Common dosage

300 to 600 mg micronized or ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide daily. Pain relief builds over 4 to 8 weeks.

Description

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide the body makes naturally that acts through PPAR-alpha to calm inflammation and pain. Meta-analyses of randomized trials find it reduces chronic, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain over several weeks, with tolerability similar to placebo.

Safety & interactions

Very well tolerated in trials, with an adverse-event rate similar to placebo. It is not a substitute for medical evaluation of new or severe pain.

Check interactions with other supplements→

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Order Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Recommended: 300 to 600 mg micronized or ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide daily. Pain relief builds over 4 to 8 weeks.

Questions about Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

Who should avoid Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) based on the safety notes?

What dose did studies use for Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and when was it taken?

What kinds of studies back Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?

Referenced studies (6)

ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.