HA stimulates production of normal hyaluronic acid in joint lining, helping relieve arthritis symptoms
Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Updated Apr. 03rd, 2024 | Read Time: 4 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- What is Hyaluronic Acid?
- Key Health Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
- Wrinkles and Skin Aging
- Protects the Skin
- Wound Healing and Skin Inflammation
- Joint Health
- Exploring Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
We all know that our bodies are made up of an incredibly large number of cells (current estimates are around 10 trillion), but have you ever wondered what holds all of those cells together, and fills in the gaps between them? This extracellular “glue” is called the matrix (no Neo here though sci-fi fans). It turns out that a large percentage of the extracellular matrix is made up of molecules called hyaluronic acid (HA). Let's explore what HA is and how hyaluronic acid supplements can help your health.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
HA is a glycosaminoglycan, which means it is an extremely large chain of sugar molecules linked together. When HA is in the presence of water, it forms what early researchers described as “goo” (sounds wonderful, no?). This “goo” is what fills in the gaps between your cells and makes your body soft and squishy to the touch.
HA can draw water into the tissues that keep you hydrated and maintain skin resilience. It thickens some fluids in your body and softens most tissues. More recent research has found that hyaluronic acid also provides a framework for immune cells to travel along and climb through as they migrate through tissues. HA is found in high concentrations in many tissues in the body, including:
- Skin
- Cartilage
- The fluid inside the eye
Key Health Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Wrinkles and Skin Aging
The tissue below the outer layer of the skin is packed with HA. This glycosaminoglycan draws water into the tissues and keeps them plump. When there is not enough HA or water present, the tissue below the skin loses thickness, and as a result, the skin will sag and wrinkle. Thus, a simple way to combat the visible signs of aging is to support healthy HA synthesis in the skin and to keep it well hydrated with sufficient water to promote the plumping out of deeper wrinkles, and reduction of fine lines. HA is commonly injected by medical doctors and plastic surgeons to directly plump up wrinkles and lines in the face. These are the injections marketed as “fillers” like Restylane.
Protects the Skin
HA has recently been established as the primary free radical scavenger in the skin, and potentially in the rest of the body as well. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive, and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. We encounter free radicals through environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, processed foods, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UV rays). The damage caused by free radicals can result in cell death, alterations in genetic material and autoimmune reactions to damaged cells. It has been found that in sunburned skin, HA becomes degraded in large amounts and later this was found to be because it absorbed much of the UV radiation. Thus, HA helps to protect the skin against free radical damage from the sun, at its own expense. HA also holds other antioxidants in the skin, like vitamin A, so they can further protect against damage.
Wound Healing and Skin Inflammation
Because a large number of our tissues are made up of HA saturated with water, and so when they become damaged HA plays a leading role in healing. When an injury first occurs, HA synthesis nearby increases to help promote immune cell migration to the area. Dry skin conditions caused by allergic Dermatitis can often be treated using a lotion containing high concentrations of HA. Application of HA to wounds can help to trigger faster healing, particularly in tissues already rich in HA, such as the eye. Because of this, HA can be applied to wounds, burns, as well as skin and mouth ulcers to help speed their healing.
Joint Health
The cartilage that makes up the lining of the joint surfaces contains HA, which helps to provide elasticity and flexibility. HA is also found in the fluid that cushions our joints and prevents friction within the joint capsule. Supplementation with HA can significantly help to support healthy joint surfaces and joint function. Some medical doctors will provide HA injections directly into joints affected by osteoarthritis to help reduce symptoms. Research has shown that the cartilage in joints with osteoarthritis does not contain sufficient HA.
Exploring Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
The human body naturally produces hyaluronic acid in its tissues and can also be extracted from rooster combs as an animal source. Hyaluronic acid used in supplements is synthesized by bacteria in a laboratory.
A diet rich in root vegetables and green leafy veggies can act as an excellent source of HA. Some examples are potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach. Eat these raw as much as possible to preserve the heat-sensitive HA. For supplementing HA there is currently no established dose in the research, but it is commonly recommended at 200mg, twice daily. Topical creams and gels tend to contain 2.5% HA and can be applied to the skin as the manufacturer suggests.
Hyaluronic acid is the secret weapon for beautiful skin! One high quality supplement daily helps improve all aspects of skin. Firstly, hyaluronic acid helps to smooth out and to remove wrinkles, so that delicate skin around the eyes and mouth remains beautiful. Additionally, hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture inside the skin, especially during the winter months. Also, hyaluronic acid helps improve skin elasticity, as well as overall skin appearance; various skin blemishes and dry spots are corrected with regular supplementation.
Hello Kathy,
Yes it is! Hyaluronic acid is important for skin health. Natural HA production diminishes as we age; therefore, supplementing and using natural skin products that contain HA is important for our skins hydration. Glad it's working well for your skin, it really does improve overall skin tone and texture. If you'd like to learn more about natural skin care supplements, read our article:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Have a healthy day
I have been taking hyaluronic acid capsules for about a month now. Last week––7 days ago–– increased the dosage to 500 mgm daily. Have degenerative diisc disease, and suffer from seriously disabling neuropathy.. This evening, after doing some exercises on my Tetter––where I lie on a 45 degree angle slant down, causing my spinal cord to stretch––I noticed that it was less difficult to climb off the same when I was finished; it was also easier doing my arm exercises while on the Tetter.. I find that remarkable; in fact, I am noticeably more limber all over. I was taking 3900 mgm of arthritic tylenol daily, doing so for many years, and now I am only taking two tablets daily, intending to stop it altogether shortly. No pain in my joints. I also take MSM 3000 mgm daily, but the MSM never limbered me up this way; although I believe it has helped my skin, along with a great skin care regimen. I should have been taking this from the outset; and I believe it will also help me have fewer if any psoriasis outbreaks on my arms and legs, which has been an ongoing trial as well.The MSM has also helped alleviate arthritic pain and allergic problems; but hyaluronic acid has allowed me to cut back very high tylenol dose, making my liver much happier..
Hello, Sara,
Thank you for sharing your experience with Hyaluronic Acid and how it's helping you enhance your health. We are thrilled to hear you're noticing improvement in your mobility and pain. HA is great for the health concerns you mentioned as well as keeping skin hydrated. MSM and glucosamine combination supplements are also excellent choices for joint health. If you'd like to learn more about these supplements, check out these articles:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/glucosamine/
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/msm/
Have a healthy day!