What is the recommended dose of Palmitoylethanolamide?

- **Look for:** Micronized PEA (um-PEA) or Levagen+® brand; 300-600mg per capsule; "ultra-micronized" or "micronized" on label - **Avoid:** Non-micronized PEA (6x worse absorption); products <300mg...

Is Palmitoylethanolamide safe to take daily?

Palmitoylethanolamide is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Palmitoylethanolamide

MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide — your body already makes it — that was discovered by Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini. It's one of the most promising non-opioid pain compounds in supplement form. A 2017 meta-analysis of 10 RCTs found it reduced pain scores by 3.2 points on a 10-point scale. Our research shows it works through PPAR-α activation and indirect cannabinoid receptor modulation (NOT direct CB1/CB2 binding), meaning it enhances your endocannabinoid system without the psychoactive effects or legal issues of cannabis. It's been used in Italy as a medical food for neuropathic pain since the 1990s.

WHAT IT DOES

PEA works through the "entourage effect" of the endocannabinoid system without directly binding CB1/CB2 receptors. Its primary mechanism: (1) PPAR-α nuclear receptor activation — turning on anti-inflammatory gene transcription; (2) inhibition of FAAH enzyme — which slows the breakdown of anandamide (your body's natural cannabinoid), indirectly boosting endocannabinoid tone; (3) mast cell stabilization — preventing degranulation and histamine release; (4) glial cell modulation — reducing neuroinflammation by calming overactivated microglia and astrocytes. The pain-relieving effect is distinct from NSAIDs (no COX inhibition) and opioids (no mu-receptor binding), making it safe to combine with both.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Micronized PEA (um-PEA) or Levagen+® brand; 300-600mg per capsule; "ultra-micronized" or "micronized" on label
Avoid: Non-micronized PEA (6x worse absorption); products <300mg/serving; PEA in proprietary blends
Minimum effective dose: 600mg/day (300mg 2x)
Third-party tested brands: Levagen+ (Gencor), Life Extension, Nootropics Depot

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SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

No critical interactions identified.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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