Fatty Acid Supplement May Help Relieve Joint Discomfort

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid organic compound that is manufactured by the body. It performs a variety of biological functions related to chronic and neuropathic pain and inflammation. According to a recent study, supplementation with PEA may help relieve joint discomfort.

Seventy-four adults with joint discomfort participated in the study. They received 350 mg of PEA or a placebo daily for 2 weeks. Participants completed the visual analog scale for pain in the morning and evening for 2 weeks.

Participants in the PEA group saw a steady reduction in pain scores throughout the supplementation period, whereas scores in the placebo group plateaued than began to decrease at day 10. The PEA group also saw significant improvements in total mood scores compared to the placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland. It was published online ahead of print February 10, 2021 in the International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences.