Palmitoylethanolamide, abbreviated to PEA (not to be confused with phenylethylamine, also abbreviated to PEA) is a fatty acid amide that is both synthesised in the body and obtainable through diet. Its natural yet powerful effect on the body helps to regulate metabolism, the inflammatory response, and neural pathways responsible for relaxation and restoration.
In recent decades, dietary supplementation with PEA has soared in popularity. PEA is a popular supplement in Italy, Spain, Germany, and The Netherlands, and is already making waves in the USA. Classed as a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), PEA has not been approved as treatment for medical conditions, but its benefits for the body are widely supported by clinical studies. Its supportive and restorative effects on the body are now being discovered around the world, by researchers and health-aware trailblazers alike.
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PEA can be found in high amounts in soy lecithin, soybeans, egg yolk, peanuts, and alfalfa. However, as a fatty acid, PEA that can be obtained from these foods is not water soluble. This makes it difficult for your body to process and enjoy the full benefits of the PEA, as its bioavailability is limited.
This hurdle has been overcome by first extracting, then micronizing PEA. Micronization is the process by which molecules of PEA are ground down until they are much smaller, enabling your body to absorb more PEA and make the most of its incredible capabilities. PEA in this form is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier, making its positive effects on the brain even more potent.
The Awakened.energy method of production and micronization is the only uniquely solvent-free PEA production in the USA. This method extracts pure PEA from natural sources and turns it into bioavailable, micronized PEA without the addition of any unwanted chemicals. Awakened.energy PEAmium is the only PEA supplement in the USA that can safely say there are no traces of solvents, fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients in their products.
Scientists first discovered PEA in the 1950s and have been fascinated with it ever since. Decades of research have resulted in a deep yet evolving understanding of the methods and mechanisms of PEA, with further studies and clinical trials still underway.
One of the key mechanisms that scientists have uncovered is that PEA activates a cellular protein – specifically, a transcription factor – called PPAR-alpha. PPAR-alpha can be found in cells throughout the body, and it plays a role in regulating metabolism and promoting healthy immune function. Activating PPAR-alpha with PEA supports it to fulfil its role, helping to maintain the regular function of multiple bodily systems.
PEA has an additional role in the endocannabinoid system: the PEA molecule has a similar structure to anandamide, commonly known as the “bliss molecule”. Anandamide acts on cannabinoid receptors to promote relaxation, restoration, and your body’s natural ability to recover. It has a half-life of less than 5 minutes, meaning its action on the brain is limited by its quick breakdown. As PEA is similar in shape, it is hydrolysed by the same enzyme as anandamide. This means that higher levels of PEA in the brain can use up this enzyme and slow the hydrolysis of anandamide, supporting it to produce its beneficial effects in the brain for longer.
While PEA itself is not an endocannabinoid, it is an endocannabinoid-like neuroactive lipid. Research is ongoing to fully understand its role in the endocannabinoid system.
PEA’s role in the endocannabinoid system and the PPAR-alpha transcription factor, which can be found in cells all over the body, enable it to have far-reaching benefits.
PEA’s role in the endocannabinoid system and the PPAR-alpha transcription factor, which can be found in cells all over the body, enable it to have far-reaching benefits.
1. Recovery
One of PEA’s main benefits is its role in supporting the body’s natural ability to recover. In clinical trials, PEA has been found to promote recovery and feelings of relief in a wide range of contexts, from common ailments to more complex presentations.
2. Neural Health
PEA may have neuroprotective effects by supporting nerve cells through its role in balancing the inflammatory response and in the endocannabinoid system. It has also been suggested by researchers that PEA may increase the presence of neurotrophic factors in the brain, which help brain cells to regenerate.
3. Eye Health
The eyes are part of the central nervous system, meaning they, too, benefit from the neuroprotective effects of PEA. PEA’s beneficial effects on the inflammatory system may support good vision and healthy eye pressure.
4. Mood Balance
By acting on the endocannabinoid system, particularly by supporting anandamide, PEA can help to promote balanced mood and overall feelings of contentment and wellness. Ongoing clinical studies have supported the benefits of PEA for mood regulation and cognitive health.
5. Inflammatory Balance
PEA’s action on PPAR-alpha supports healthy function of the inflammatory system. This can have widespread benefits for the body, particularly where the inflammatory system may be dysregulated or unbalanced.
6. Immunity
By regulating the inflammatory system, PEA may also support the body’s natural recovery from viruses. Clinical studies have found that PEA may be able to calm symptoms of the common cold.
7. Heart Health
PEA supports a healthy cardiovascular system by supporting healthy blood flow through the regulation of the inflammatory system. Well-maintained cardiovascular tissue supports recovery and overall health.
8. Gut Balance
PEA’s action on the inflammatory system also supports regular function of the gut, which may promote feelings of relief and healthy digestion.
9. Histamine Balance
Some scientists think that PEA may be a histamine-release blocker, which can regulate the expression of histamines in the body. This can support healthy skin and feelings of relief and comfort.
Clinical studies continue to investigate and uncover the many functions and benefits of PEA.
Side effects, though rarely reported, tend to be mild. There is no standardised recommended dose of PEA, though large doses have the most powerful effects – the dosage used in studies can range from 600mg to 2,400mg per day.
Further research is needed to confirm whether PEA is safe for children and in pregnancy.
Decades of research have already revealed the fascinating mechanisms and benefits of PEA; discover why PEA continues to inspire clinical studies, and why it’s quickly becoming the supplement of choice for wellness champions around the world.
