Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, according to the CDC, affecting more than 32 million people in the U.S. alone. The European Medical Journal reported that globally, 18% of women and 9.6% of men above age 60 suffer from OA.

With the current growth rate, the U.N. estimated the aging population will double to approximately 1.5 billion by 2050, increasing the number of people experiencing OA and its public health and economic burden. The 2017 Innova Consumer Market Insights Survey reported joint health as an extreme concern for 17 to 20% of consumers in the U.K. and U.S. Innova research also revealed 57% of Chinese consumers consider joint health a top health concern.

The CDC also states that analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are used chronically to alleviate OA pain symptoms without resulting in its cure. This may increase the risk of existing adverse events. Although chondroitin and glucosamine products have long garnered attention in the joint health market, study results on their efficacy have been conflicting.

The need for early, safe and fast intervention in joint health and the interlink of central and peripheral effects in OA are dire.

Gencor studied PEA in an eight-week, single-site comparative human clinical trial which demonstrated the ingredient’s all-around effectiveness and safety. PEA has also shown to improve quality of life by significantly reducing anxiety.

To read this article in its entirety, check out the Joint Health digital magazine.

Silma Subah and Nathasha Omal Bogoda are research associates at Gencor Pacific Ltd.