The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the effectiveness of a palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) supplement enhanced with dispersion technology for improved absorption in relieving allergy symptoms compared to a placebo group over a 14-day treatment period.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 108 individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis was carried out. Subjects were randomly allocated to get either 350 mg of PEA or a placebo daily for a duration of 2 weeks. Utilizing the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), symptom severity was assessed twice daily over the two-week period. Collection of blood samples was done at baseline and week 2.

Out of 101 subjects who finished the study with comparable baseline characteristics, no noticeable difference in allergy symptom scores (rTNSS) was witnessed between the two groups throughout the treatment period. However, a subgroup assessment of subjects with baseline rTNSS scores above four (indicating mild-to-moderate symptoms) revealed a profound drop in scores with the PEA group when compared to placebo.

Blood samples were limited to 36 volunteers owing to COVID-19 restrictions. Nonetheless, the analysis revealed vital differences in the alteration from baseline between the groups. The PEA group exhibited a profound drop in histamine, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, while the placebo group illustrated reductions only in IL-4 levels.

Supplementation with PEA offered relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms, while also lowering histamine levels and inflammatory markers.