PEA (palmitoylethanolamide)
Sleep & Recovery · Endogenous fatty acid amide
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Italian research tradition.
Typical use: 300-1200 mg/day PO (ultramicronized preferred for bioavailability) — Rx (Italy/Spain as Normast/Pelvilen); OTC supplement elsewhere.
What this is
Italian research tradition. Ultramicronized (um-PEA) form has better absorption than standard. Gabapentinoid-sparing in some chronic pain regimens. Synergistic with luteolin in some formulations.
Mechanism
Endocannabinoid-like fatty acid amide; PPAR-α agonist; 'entourage' amplification of endogenous anandamide; anti-inflammatory and analgesic via mast cell modulation
Dose & route
300-1200 mg/day PO (ultramicronized preferred for bioavailability)
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28347101/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31484509/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6281805/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41709243/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Italian research tradition.
- Is PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) safe?
- PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx (Italy/Spain as Normast/Pelvilen); OTC supplement elsewhere. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for PEA (palmitoylethanolamide)?
- 300-1200 mg/day PO (ultramicronized preferred for bioavailability)
- How does PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) work?
- Endocannabinoid-like fatty acid amide; PPAR-α agonist; 'entourage' amplification of endogenous anandamide; anti-inflammatory and analgesic via mast cell modulation
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.