Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
PEA wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
16 of 17 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin
With a meal containing fat
Softgels with both lutein and zeaxanthin
600-1200mg
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Micronized or ultra-micronized PEA
3-6 months
4-8 weeks
3-6 months
2-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2016) · Meta analysis · n=387569
Meta-analysis showed a lower risk of coronary heart disease (pooled RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98) and stroke (pooled RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.93) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of lutein blood concentration or intake.
Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2023) · Systematic review · n=2445
These studies enroled 11,952 people aged 65 to 75 years and included slightly more women (on average 56% women).
Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28
JAMA ophthalmology (2022) · Rct · n=3882
This study included 3882 participants (mean [SD] baseline age, 72.0 [7.7] years; 2240 women [57.7%]) and 6351 eyes.
Extended Treatment with Micron-Size Oral Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=742
These two obtained scores corresponded to a 35.1% pain intensity reduction within the first month, followed by a further 35.4% during the second month.
Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=774
PEA was found to reduce pain scores relative to comparators in a pooled estimate, with a standard mean difference of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.31, p = 0.00001).
Navigating agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comparative study of pharmacotherapies via network meta-analysis in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) (2025) · Meta analysis · n=2503
Importantly, these treatments were generally well-tolerated, with no significant increase in all-cause dropouts compared to placebo, highlighting their suitability for clinical use in managing agitation in individuals with ASD or ID.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing significant MPOD increases in both AMD patients and healthy subjects. Effect size modest but consistent across studies. Higher doses may increase carotenodermia risk.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing ~35% pain reduction. Studies primarily used micronized formulations which may have better bioavailability than standard forms. Most benefits observed within 4-6 weeks of treatment.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
PEA has a higher evidence score (7.5/10 vs 7.5/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Lutein + Zeaxanthin and PEA have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.