PEA Ingredient Modulates Microbiome, Inflammatory Activity: Study

Gencor announced the publication of a clinical trial which found that its palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, was safe, well-tolerated, and regulated microbiome activity, balanced inflammatory response, and supported healthy triglyceride levels.

The study, which was published in Biomedicines, investigated the potential effects of PEA on modifying the gut microbiome and subsequently impacting other health markers compared to placebo in overweight adults between the ages of 18 and 65.

58 participants with a BMI between 30 and 40 were recruited, randomized to receive either PEA or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers tracked changes in microbiota composition, richness, diversity, and metabolic functions, fecal short-chain fatty acids and calprotectin, pathology markers, and health-related questionnaires.

Levagen+ supplementation significantly improved IL-2 concentrations, indicating reduced intestinal inflammation compared to the placebo, along with lower triglyceride levels. The overall composition of gut microbiota in both the placebo and Levagen+ groups remained largely stable from baseline to final measurements; however, functional changes were noted in the PEA group, suggesting a possible modulation of metabolic pathways. Specifically, PEA supplementation led to the downregulation of pathways involved in aromatic compound degradation, NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH interconversion, and L-glutamate degradation. On the other hand, pathways related to molybdopterin and O-antigen biosynthesis were upregulated. These changes suggest that PEA may have immunomodulatory effects, influencing immune responses and metabolic processes.

“Healthy weight management remains a top priority for consumers, and dietary supplements are often sought before drug interventions,” said Ramasamy Venkatesh, managing director of Gencor Pacific. “To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the specific changes in microbiome function after PEA supplementation. This study found that Levagen+ helped reduce markers associated with both gut inflammation and blood fats. Although it didn’t alter the overall composition of gut bacteria, it did change how those bacteria function, reducing some pathways related to energy breakdown and increasing others that help beneficial bacteria build protective structures. Overall, the findings suggest that PEA not only supports a healthier gut-immune balance but may also contribute to improved metabolic health.”