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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
PEA and Vitamin C are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 17 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
600-1200mg
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Micronized or ultra-micronized PEA
500-1000mg
With meals, Split doses if taking >500mg
Ascorbic acid or buffered vitamin C
2-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
Ongoing
1-2 weeks
4-8 weeks
With high doses (>2g)
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.
Vitamin C supplementation for prevention and treatment of pneumonia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=2774
We are uncertain of the effect of vitamin C supplementation on mortality due to pneumonia (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.66; 1 study, 57 participants; very low-quality evidence).
Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015) · Meta analysis · n=20038
Conversely, the risk of term PROM was increased when supplementation included vitamin C and vitamin E (average RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.23; 3060 participants; two studies; I² = 0%).
Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults
Nutrients (2025) · Systematic review
Most studies (77%) had a low risk of bias.
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.
Based on 3 meta-analyses of sepsis patients. One study showed RR 0.60 for mortality reduction, but another showed increased risk (RR 1.21). Evidence quality rated as low to very low. Effect limited to intravenous administration in critically ill patients.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both PEA and Vitamin C are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For reduce inflammation, PEA has a higher relevance score (85 vs 65).
No known interactions between PEA and Vitamin C have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.