This 2017 meta-analysis used randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy and safety of PEA for treating chronic pain. Ten studies were identified for review, eight of these studies were randomized controlled trials with 743 patients receiving PEA and 460 patients receiving inactive controls. Analysis of the results of these trials found that PEA supplementation led to significantly greater pain reduction compared to controls. The dosages of PEA ranged from 300 mg/day-1200 mg/day with most showing optimal benefit at 600 mg/day or greater for supplementation from 10-180 days. Further, researchers found that PEA treatment groups had fewer dropouts due to adverse events as compared with placebo or no treatment groups. The few reported adverse events included GI upset, drowsiness and heart palpitations.
References:
Artukoglu BB, Beyer C, Zuloff-Shani A, Brener E, Bloch MH. Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide for Pain: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2017;20(5):353-362.
