Three Studies of PEA & COVID
You may never have heard of this natural supplement, but three recent studies are pointing to its promise for both COVID and long COVID.
Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA for short, is not a well known supplement. But, if the emerging research is a predictor, it will be. PEA is made naturally in your body. PEA has antidepressant effects, but it also has strong immune effects and is powerfully anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and neuroprotective. PEA influences control mechanisms in our cells that control cellular stress and inflammation. PEA has been shown to balance the inflammatory response of the immune system.
Its immune, inflammatory and neuroprotective properties recommend it for COVID. At least three studies have now put that to the test.
A new double-blind study gave 60 unvaccinated adults who were recently diagnosed with COVID but not hospitalized either a placebo or 600mg of PEA twice a day for 4 weeks. The PEA produced significant anti-inflammatory results as indicated by improvements in sP-selectin, a marker of inflammation and atherosclerosis, IL-1, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, and IL-2. Controlling inflammation is crucial for fighting COVID (J Nutr. 2022 Oct 6;52(10):2218-2226).
The second study was a controlled study of 12 people who had confirmed COVID and whose impaired sense of smell had persisted for more than 90 days after testing negative. The ones who were given a combination of PEA and the flavonoid luteolin had significantly greater improvement in sense of smell (Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021 06 ;25(11):4156-4162).
A third study has found that the PEA-luteolin combo can help, not only smell, but, when combined with olfactory training, memory, or “mental clouding” in people with long COVID. The dose was 700mg of PEA and 70mg of luteolin (Cells. 2022 Aug 17;11(16):2552).
These 3 studies suggest that PEA could play a role in treating both COVID and long COVID, especially by controlling inflammation and improving sense of smell.
For the latest research to keep you and your family healthy, get The Natural Path delivered to your inbox each month for only $29.99 a year: Subscribe!
For comprehensive natural help with your health, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for virtual appointments.
The Natural Path is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner for a comprehensive program.
Ask your health food store for The Natural Path Newsletter