Nutraceutical market: OptiPea offers a European sourced “alternative to problematic pain relief drugs"

19 Mar 2018 --- Innexus Nutraceuticals is to debut its pain relief solution using PEA (palmitoylethanolamide), produced solely in Europe. OptiPEA is a nutraceutical that relieves pain, without the use of opioids (pharmaceutical pain-killers and non-prescription drugs). It is sourced sustainably from RSPO-certified palmitic acid and manufactured entirely in Europe using a patented production process. 

Innexus points out that with all other PEA manufactured in Asia, OptiPEA is the only PEA ingredient to be manufactured in Europe. 

According to the company, our bodies produce PEA “on demand” when cells are threatened, but sometimes it cannot produce enough. Chronic pain tends to involve two cell types in particular – “mast” and “glial” cells. When taken orally, OptiPEA targets these inflammatory cells. It supplements the natural production of PEA and restores their regular activity. This calming effect eliminates the pain and restores harmony in and between the cells.

“Since the launch in 2016 we have grown a lot and we have supplied OptiPEA worldwide to companies and researchers. The demand is driven by the need for a natural and safe alternative to pain medications and therapeutics for difficult to treat diseases besides pain like autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases,” Samuel Zonneveld, CEO at Netherlands-based Innexus, tells NutritionInsight.

“Unlike most of these [opioids], PEA doesn’t have any negative side effects. Yielding consistently positive results in replicable research since its discovery in 1952, its efficacy and safety have been documented in over 658 scientific articles. PEA represents a natural and effective alternative to these drugs and one that is suitable for long-term use.”

Furthermore, the European sourcing of the PEA, which is sourced from palmitic acid and therefore, a palm oil based product, is significant. The palm oil industry has been widely questioned in terms of dubious sustainability, concerns about the environment and, human and animal welfare. These concerns can be quelled through the implementation of a clear supply chain traceability policy.

Zonneveld tells NutritionInsight, “The problems with the use of palm oil products are widely known. Unfortunately, there’s no other source of palmitic acid so we have to use a palm oil based product. With that in mind, we set out for the most sustainable and ethical sourced palmitic acid. Our RSPO certification and the use of sustainable palm oil are the best options available.”

“Today’s consumers are well-informed; they demand and deserve transparency. OptiPEA offers full, transparent documentation to dietary supplement companies, who can benefit from the appeal of a branded, quality ingredient for consumers,” Zonneveld added.

Innexus will showcase OptiPEA at Vitafoods Europe, in Geneva this May.

By Laxmi Haigh