1. Introduction
sore throat, fever, inflammation, URTIs, infection, scratchy
SORE THROAT, UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS, INFLAMMATION, FLU SYMPTOMS, INFECTION, COMMON COLD, COLD, INFLUENZA
Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by bacteria or viruses, with the most common causes being the common cold and influenza. The high occurrence of URTI means therapies that are effective with minimal side effects are in constant demand. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signaling lipid previously shown to be effective in improving the incidence of URTIs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PEA (Levagen+) on URTI incidence, duration, and severity. Methods: Participants (Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by an infection of the mucosal lining of the upper airway. URTI symptoms include coughing, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, fever, and scratchy or sore throat [Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like bioactive signaling lipid that is part of the To date, most literature stating the efficacy of PEA on cold and flu symptoms is based on theoretical evidence or animal studies, rather than human clinical studies. Previous human clinical studies have indicated that PEA is an effective treatment in reducing cold and flu symptoms [Recent human clinical studies have focused more on the potential effects of PEA on inflammation associated with COVID-19. PEA has been shown to be effective against respiratory symptoms caused by increased inflammation associated with COVID-19 [However, it is important to note that both endogenous levels of PEA and exogenous PEA administration have previously been reported to be insufficient in mitigating a significant clinical response due to poor absorption, resulting in low plasma concentrations [