Oleoylethanolamide

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a lipid that is naturally produced by the digestive organs. The amount of oleoylethanolamide is higher during the day when the body is saturated with food and lower at night during the phase without food intake. The effects of oleoylethanolamide were first studied because it has some similarities to a cannabinoid called anandamide. Cannabinoids are related to the active compounds found in the cannabis plant, and the anandamide found in this plant and in marijuana can increase the desire to eat. Although oleoylethanolamide has a similar chemical structure to anandamide, its effects on eating behavior and weight management differ from those of anandamide.

Benefits of oleoylethanolamide

Studies report that oleoylethanolamide can deactivate the hunger "switch" in the central nervous system. There was not much research on oleoylethanolamide before 2001, but in that year Spanish scientists investigated the structure, use and effects of oleoylethanolamide. They studied the effect of oleoylethanolamide on the brain of rats by injecting this substance directly into the brain ventricles of the animals. They found no effects on eating behavior, confirming that oleoylethanolamide does not act in the brain, but triggers a separate signal that influences hunger and eating behavior.

Oleoylethanolamide works by activating a substance called PPAR, simultaneously increasing fat burning and reducing fat storage. When you eat, oleoylethanolamide levels increase and appetite decreases as the sensory nerves that connect to the brain tell the brain that you are full. There are many studies that have demonstrated this effect. In a study conducted in 2004, researchers observed rats that had been starving for 24 hours. They administered oleoylethanolamide to these animals at a dose of 10mg per kilogram of body weight and found that food intake was reduced by 15.5%.

A study conducted at the University of California in 2009 showed that oleoylethanolamide also affects memory-enhancing signals in the part of the brain that remembers emotional events. When mice were placed in a maze, oleoylethanolamide helped the animals remember where they had found a nice, fatty meal. This memory switch is believed to have been a key aspect of early primitive human lifestyles, but it has also been hypothesized that high-fat foods may help promote long-term memory.

Recommended intake

Oleoylethanolamide is not an essential lipid, which means that oleoylethanolamide deficiency symptoms cannot occur. There is not much research on oleoylethanolamide supplementation in humans and there is no general dosage recommendation as to what is safe.

Risks and side effects

Many experts believe that there is no magic pill that reduces appetite and that it is inaccurate to market oleoylethanolamide as such a supplement. Since this supplement has an effect on satiety, experts believe that it is a safe and harmless pill against obesity, but it is not intended for bodybuilders and people who want to lose the last 5 kilos. A leading scientist of the study conducted at the University of California noted that even though oleoylethanolamide contributes to the feeling of satiety after a meal, there is a possibility that it could increase cravings for fatty foods in the longer term, which could lead to obesity. You should talk to your doctor before taking oleoylethanolamide if you are using other supplements that affect the way your body processes fat.