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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
6 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
18 of 30 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both PEA and Vitamin D3 have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
600-1200mg
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Micronized or ultra-micronized PEA
2000-4000 IU daily
Morning with breakfast
D3 (cholecalciferol) softgel or liquid
2-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
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 D supplementation vs. placebo and incident type 2 diabetes in an ancillary study of the randomized Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial
Nature communications (2025) · Meta analysis · n=5205
Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 kg/m2 (SD = 5.3), with 51% female and 17% Black race/ethnicity.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dysmenorrhoea: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=687
TSA revealed that the current RCTs provide sufficient information.
Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections
BMJ (2017) · Meta analysis · n=11321
12% reduction in respiratory infections overall
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.
Meta-analysis showed 12% overall reduction in respiratory infections, with greater benefits in severely deficient individuals. Daily dosing more effective than bolus. Conservative estimate assumes most users not severely deficient.
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.
For reduce inflammation, PEA has a higher relevance score (85 vs 58).
No known interactions between PEA and Vitamin D3 have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.