Supports nerve comfort and balance
Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, is a naturally occurring fatty molecule in your body. It increases during times of stress or discomfort. Though found in foods like peanuts and egg yolks, these sources often fall short when the body's demands are high. As a supplement, PEA is popular for supporting nerve comfort and helping maintain balance during physical or emotional stress.
About PEA
What PEA Does for Your System
PEA can be thought of as your body’s peacekeeper for the nervous system. When cells face stress, PEA interacts with a protein called PPAR‑α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). This interaction triggers a cascade that encourages brain cells known as astrocytes to produce allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that helps soothe nerves and maintain steady neurological function.
PEA in Recovery and Resilience
Many people turn to PEA for recovery, resilience, or comfort. Athletes may use it after tough workouts to manage muscle soreness. Those with high-stress lifestyles might find it supportive for nerve signaling and calm. Biohackers often incorporate it for maintaining nervous system stability.
PEA in Combination
PEA is rarely used alone. It’s often blended with other compounds like peptides (e.g., BPC‑157) or tissue-supporting substances (e.g., sodium hyaluronate). These combinations are aimed at tissue repair, histamine response, joint lubrication, and neurological balance.
PEA in Supplements
PEA features in various formulas, including those for daily recovery (Re-Generate), muscle healing (Wolverine), peptide support (BPC-157 Double Strength; GHK-Cu; AC Fragments), immune modulation (KPV), and histamine management (Hista-Resist).
Related Products
Formulated With
Learn about other ingredients that PEA is used alongside throughout the LVLUP range.
Detailed Information
PEA’s Role in Neurosteroid Balance
PEA activates PPAR‑α within astrocytes, primarily in the brain and spinal cord. This activation boosts cellular machinery for neurosteroid synthesis. Genes responsible for moving cholesterol into mitochondria (StAR) and initiating steroid synthesis (cytochrome P450scc) become more active. This leads to the production of pregnenolone, which rapidly converts to allopregnanolone, calming neural circuits.
Scientific Studies on PEA
Lab studies show that when astrocytes receive PEA, allopregnanolone production increases. Blocking PPAR‑α with antagonists like GW6471 or using gene-silencing methods stops this boost. Additionally, blocking the enzyme 5α‑reductase with finasteride halts the final conversion step, highlighting the pathway from PEA to allopregnanolone.
Research on Animals
Animal studies, especially those using socially isolated mice (a model for anxiety and depression), show that PEA restores normal allopregnanolone levels in brain regions linked to mood and behavior. These effects disappear if PPAR‑α is blocked or if steroid-forming enzymes are inhibited.
