PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE (PEA)

What is palmitoylethanolamide or PEA?

Palmitoylethanolamide, also called PEA, is part of a fatty acid found in the body. The body makes PEA on demand [^[1]]. Oddly enough, PEA can be found in legumes, peas, beans, vegetables, tomatoes, and potatoes. PEA is also found in milk, egg yolks, soy oil, and corn [^[2]].

PEA is a cannabimimetic compound, which means that it affects the endocannabinoid system. Cannabimimetic substances are not endocannabinoids [^[3]]. However, they can regulate animals’ and plants’ physiological and pathological functions [^[4]].

What does PEA do in the body?

PEA is synthesized by the body on demand. It works to balance cell and tissue processes needed to maintain the health of the nervous system and reduce neuroinflammation [^[5]].

PEA has anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, neuroprotective, and pain-relieving properties. It performs various functions, including combatting chronic pain and inflammation [^[6]]. Because it has a protective response that occurs in response to cellular injury, PEA levels are often higher in disease states [^[7]].

PEA acts on cannabinoid receptors and inhibits the breakdown of the endocannabinoid anandamide, boosting its activity via the “entourage effect” [^[8]].

How can PEA help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Relevant to Long COVID, PEA can combat chronic pain and inflammation.

PEA can be used to treat the consequences of the COVID-19 cytokine storm, which is a problem in severe COVID-19 and can also be a problem in Long COVID [^[9]]. In severe COVID-19, a cytokine storm can give rise to additional issues, such as an antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to viral infection. In one study, PEA was used to successfully treat a 45-year-old female who developed antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to COVID-19 [^[10]].