Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Research reviewed: 2006–2016
Phenylethylamine (PEA) (β-Phenylethylamine) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 360 participants, researched for Mood & Depression, Cognitive Function & Focus, Energy & Weight Management.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Mood & Depression
ModerateCognitive Function & Focus
ModerateEnergy & Weight Management
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Mood & Depression
Test oral PEA for antidepressant effects
Study Type
Open-Label Clinical Study
Purpose
Test oral PEA for antidepressant effects
Dose
10–60 mg/day + selegiline 10 mg
Participants
60
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in HDRS scores (>50% improvement) in 60% of patients; rapid onset within 2 weeks
How They Measured It
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, BDI
Measure urinary PEA as biomarker of depression
Study Type
Observational Study
Purpose
Measure urinary PEA as biomarker of depression
Dose
N/A (observational)
Participants
120
Duration
Cross-sectional
Results
Depressed patients had significantly lower urinary PEA vs controls; correlation with mood scores
How They Measured It
Urinary PEA measurement, depression scores
Evaluate PEA on mood and energy in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate PEA on mood and energy in healthy adults
Dose
500 mg PEA
Participants
45
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvements in mood and energy subscales of POMS; no significant weight change
How They Measured It
POMS, VAS energy scale, cognitive function
Cognitive Function & Focus
Assess acute cognitive effects of PEA supplementation
Study Type
Randomised Crossover Trial
Purpose
Assess acute cognitive effects of PEA supplementation
Dose
200 mg PEA
Participants
30
Duration
Acute
Results
PEA improved sustained attention and processing speed; improvements persisted 2 hours post-dose
How They Measured It
Stroop test, sustained attention, working memory
Evaluate PEA on cognitive performance in older adults
Study Type
Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate PEA on cognitive performance in older adults
Dose
250 mg/day
Participants
50
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Modest improvement in processing speed and attention; no significant effect on memory
How They Measured It
Trail Making Test, digit span, reaction time
Review PEA receptor pharmacology and neurotransmitter interactions
Study Type
Mechanistic Review
Purpose
Review PEA receptor pharmacology and neurotransmitter interactions
Dose
N/A
Participants
0
Duration
N/A
Results
PEA activates TAAR1 receptors; modulates dopamine and serotonin signalling; half-life ~5–10 minutes in plasma
How They Measured It
Literature review of TAAR1 binding and monoamine modulation
Energy & Weight Management
Test PEA on energy levels and weight loss in overweight adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test PEA on energy levels and weight loss in overweight adults
Dose
500 mg/day
Participants
55
Duration
8 weeks
Results
PEA group reported significantly higher energy levels; weight loss similar between groups (diet-driven)
How They Measured It
VAS energy scale, body weight, fat mass via BIA
Evaluate PEA as endogenous neuromodulator and supplementation potential
Study Type
Review Article
Purpose
Evaluate PEA as endogenous neuromodulator and supplementation potential
Dose
N/A
Participants
0
Duration
N/A
Results
PEA naturally produced during exercise; supplementation may mimic runner's high; evidence base moderate
How They Measured It
Narrative review of clinical and preclinical evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Phenylethylamine (PEA) research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Phenylethylamine (PEA) (β-Phenylethylamine), involving 360 total participants. Research covers Mood, Focus, Energy and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) has been researched for: Mood, Focus, Energy, Weight Management. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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