Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid that is naturally produced by the body in response to inflammation and pain. This fatty acid is known as a peripherally-acting pain reliever. This is because PEA is produced in the body on-demand and works at the site of injury or tenderness to lower inflammation and turn off the pain signal. Although the body makes PEA, supplementing with this naturally occurring fatty acid may help target the underlying cause of pain in a variety of pain states.