Pea-Lut: A Natural Alternative for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Management

What is Pea-Lut (Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin)?

Pea-lut is a combination of two natural substances: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Luteolin.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide that is produced in the body and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has been studied for its potential benefits in treating chronic pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Luteolin is a flavonoid compound found in plants such as celery, parsley, and chamomile. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Luteolin has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The combination of PEA and Luteolin in Pea-lut is believed to enhance their individual therapeutic effects and provide a synergistic effect in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Pea-lut is often marketed as a natural supplement for various health conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

How Does Pea-Lut (Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin) works ?

One of the main pathways of action for PEA is through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha). PPAR-alpha is a nuclear receptor that regulates gene expression in response to fatty acids and plays a role in inflammation and metabolism. PEA has been shown to bind to PPAR-alpha and activate it, which leads to a reduction in inflammation and pain.

Another pathway of action for PEA is through its ability to inhibit the activation of mast cells. Mast cells are immune cells that play a role in the development of inflammation and allergies. PEA has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, which leads to a reduction in inflammation and allergic reactions.

PEA has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties through its ability to modulate the activity of glial cells in the central nervous system. Glial cells are non-neuronal cells that play a role in the maintenance of neuronal health and function. PEA has been shown to inhibit the activation of microglial cells, which can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators and neuronal damage.

Benefits of Pea-Lut (Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin) for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia

  1. Reduction of pain and inflammation
  2. Improvement in sleep quality
  3. Enhanced cognitive function
  4. Other potential benefits

1.Reduction of pain and inflammation

One of the most significant benefits of pea-lut is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Both PEA and luteolin have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, who often experience chronic pain and inflammation.

Several studies have shown that pea-lut can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with chronic pain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that pea-lut was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with chronic low back pain.

2. Improvement in sleep quality

Another benefit of pea-lut is its ability to improve sleep quality. Sleep disturbances are common in people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, and can significantly impact their quality of life. Pea-lut has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing pain and inflammation, which can help people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia get a better night’s sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that pea-lut was effective in improving sleep quality in people with primary insomnia. The study found that pea-lut reduced the time it took participants to fall asleep, increased the amount of time they spent in deep sleep, and reduced the number of awakenings during the night.

3. Enhanced cognitive function

Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, and can include difficulties with memory, concentration, and attention. Pea-lut has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which can help improve cognitive function in people with these conditions.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that pea-lut was effective in improving cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment. The study found that pea-lut improved memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility in participants.

4. Other potential benefits

In addition to the benefits outlined above, pea-lut may have several other potential benefits for people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. For example, pea-lut may help reduce anxiety and depression, which are common in these conditions. Pea-lut may also have antioxidant properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress and damage in the body.

Research Studies and Evidence Supporting the Use of Pea-Lut

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that pea-lut supplementation led to a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that pea-lut supplementation led to a significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and physical disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Additionally, a review article published in the Journal of Inflammation Research noted that pea-lut supplementation may help reduce inflammation by modulating immune function and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Another study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation investigated the effects of pea-lut supplementation in patients with ME/CFS and found that it was effective in reducing several symptoms associated with the condition, including fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment. The study involved 48 patients with ME/CFS who were randomly assigned to receive either pea-lut or a placebo for eight weeks. The results showed that those who received pea-lut had significant improvements in fatigue severity, pain, and cognitive function compared to those who received the placebo.

Moreover, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Functional Foods analyzed the results of seven randomized controlled trials involving a total of 901 participants with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, and found that pea-lut supplementation was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving physical function. The authors concluded that pea-lut supplementation could be a safe and effective treatment option for chronic pain conditions.

UltraMicronized PEA and Normal PEA: What’s the Difference ?

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is available in two forms: normal PEA and UltraMicronized PEA. The difference between the two lies in their particle size and absorption.

Normal PEA is made up of large particles that are not easily absorbed by the body. As a result, normal PEA has limited bioavailability and requires high doses to achieve therapeutic effects.

UltraMicronized PEA, on the other hand, is a highly refined form of PEA that has undergone a proprietary micronization process. This process reduces the size of the particles to a fraction of a micron, making UltraMicronized PEA highly absorbable and bioavailable. Because of its improved absorption, UltraMicronized PEA requires lower doses to achieve therapeutic effects.

The improved absorption of UltraMicronized PEA has several advantages over normal PEA. First, it allows for lower doses, which reduces the risk of side effects and lowers the cost of treatment. Second, it allows for more consistent dosing, as the body is able to absorb a higher percentage of the active ingredient. Third, it allows for faster onset of action, as the body is able to absorb the active ingredient more quickly.

In summary, while both normal PEA supplements and Ultra Micronized PEA can provide potential health benefits, Ultra Micronized PEA may offer increased absorption and potentially more effective relief for certain conditions.

Dosage and Administration of Pea-Lut (Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin)

In general, most supplements containing pea-lut recommend a daily dosage of 300 to 600 milligrams per day, split into two or three smaller doses taken with meals. The total daily dosage should not exceed 1,200 milligrams.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions when taking pea-lut. Taking more than the recommended dosage can increase the risk of side effects, such as upset stomach or diarrhea. Additionally, it may not increase the effectiveness of the supplement.

It is also important to note that pea-lut is a fat-soluble compound, meaning that it is absorbed better when taken with foods that contain fats. Therefore, it is recommended to take pea-lut supplements with meals that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, or fish.

Side Effects, Precautions and Contraindications of Pea-Lut

Pea-lut is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, as with any supplement, some individuals may experience side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of pea-lut include digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be minimized by taking pea-lut with food or reducing the dosage.

As a precaution, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before using pea-lut or any other supplement. Additionally, individuals who are allergic to peas or other legumes should avoid pea-lut.

Pea-lut may also interact with certain medications, particularly blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Therefore, individuals who are taking medication should consult with their healthcare provider before using pea-lut to avoid any potential interactions.

Lastly, while pea-lut has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in various conditions, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to properly diagnose and manage any underlying medical conditions.

Suggested Read

  • Petrosino S, Schiano Moriello A. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 15;21(24):9526. doi: 10.3390/ijms21249526. PMID: 33333772; PMCID: PMC7765232. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765232/)
  • Raciti L, Arcadi FA, Calabrò RS. Could Palmitoylethanolamide Be an Effective Treatment for Long-COVID-19? Hypothesis and Insights in Potential Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2022 Jan-Mar;19(1-3):19-25. PMID: 35382075; PMCID: PMC8970234. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8970234/)
  • De Luca P, Camaioni A, Marra P, Salzano G, Carriere G, Ricciardi L, Pucci R, Montemurro N, Brenner MJ, Di Stadio A. Effect of Ultra-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin on Olfaction and Memory in Patients with Long COVID: Results of a Longitudinal Study. Cells. 2022 Aug 17;11(16):2552. doi: 10.3390/cells11162552. PMID: 36010630; PMCID: PMC9406356. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9406356/)
  • Raciti L, De Luca R, Raciti G, Arcadi FA, Calabrò RS. The Use of Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Real-Life Retrospective Cohort Study. Med Sci (Basel). 2022 Jul 14;10(3):37. doi: 10.3390/medsci10030037. PMID: 35893119; PMCID: PMC9326613. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9326613/)