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Compound

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)

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PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide). Endogenous fatty acid amide for pain and inflammation.

How it works. Activates PPAR-α and indirect CB receptors.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces neuropathic pain (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 600 mg BID.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide). Endogenous fatty acid amide for pain and inflammation.

Molecular structureC18H37NO2 · 299.5 g/mol

What it is

Endogenous fatty acid amide for pain and inflammation.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Immune Function

How it works

Activates PPAR-α and indirect CB receptors.

Pathways

  • Activates PPAR-α
  • indirect CB receptors

Effects

  • ↓neuropathic pain decreases

What the research supports

Reduces neuropathic painmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
600 mg BID
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PEA in chronic pain ↗
Meta-analysis · Br J Clin Pharmacol · 2016

Significant pain reduction across conditions.

PubMed: PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) — Reduces neuropathic pain ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) and "Reduces neuropathic pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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