PEA Capsules - Pain Relief

Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a molecule which has been formulated for better oral bioavailability and absorption. It modulates inflammatory responses and responses of the immune system as a fatty acid amide.

PEA is produced endogenously within the human body, but it can also be found in the tissues of plants and animals. It was originally isolated in egg yolks and now is commonly isolated from soy lecithin (1)(2).

The micronized form of PEA provides superior absorption in two ways. Micronized PEA has a smaller particle size, which allows it to diffuse more efficiently on a cellular level. The smaller, micronized size also allows the particle to contain more energy for cellular distribution. The micronized formulation ensures a more effective delivery system than non-micronized PEA (3).

Palmitoylethanolamide Benefits

Supports relief from occasional discomfort (ref)*

Palmitoylethanolamide Mode of Action

PEA consists of palmitic acid and ethanolamine. It is the hydrolyzed form of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-palmitamide, a crystalline structure isolated in soy lecithin. It is this hydrolyzed substance that accounts for its ability to promote a healthy response to inflammatory stressors which was first noted by scientists in 1957. PEA’s effects on the immune system have been studied since 1939 (1).

PEA can be synthesized within the human body from the abundant fatty acid palmitic acid, but it is not dependent or influenced by dietary consumption of fatty acids. Palmitic acid in the diet is derived from dairy products such as cheese and butter, palm tree oil, and animal meat products. However, increasing palmitic acid in the hope of increasing endogenous PEA synthesis will not be effective (1).

PEA restricts pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and interleukins.

PEA has been studied for its immunological effects since its discovery in 1939 and remains one of the most researched and published compounds (more than 300 scientific papers have been written about it in just the past 50 years). The end of the twentieth century fostered the biggest expansion of research into PEA’s role in the endocannabinoid system (1).

PEA indirectly acts on the ECS (endocannabinoid system) within the human body. Consisting of lipid-based neurotransmitters and proteins designed to pair up with cannabinoid receptors in the peripheral nervous system and brain, the ECS is still being thoroughly studied. The ECS is believed to influence areas of development, memory, fertility, the sensation of discomfort, and the immune system. PEA activates receptors similar to the cannabinoid receptor CB2 but does not display any actual connection to the receptors CB1 or CB2. Instead, it functions through an entourage effect which results in the activation of the ECS (6)(7)(8)(9).