Hyaluronic acid (HA, hyaluronan) is a special protein that exists naturally in all living organisms. In the human body, it is found in greatest concentrations in the synovial fluid of articular joints for lubrication, the vitreous humor (fluid) of the eye, and most abundantly in the skin. As we age, the body produces less Hyaluronic Acid. The joints become stiff and the movement painful, the skin becomes dry and wrinkly.
Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, HA) is a special mucopolysacharide that exists naturally in all living organisms. In the human body, it is found in greatest concentrations in the synovial fluid of articular joints for lubrication, the vitreous humor (fluid) of the eye, and most abundantly in the skin. As we age, the body produces lesser and lesser Hyaluronic Acid. The joints become stiff, the movement painful and the skin becomes dry and wrinkly.
Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in all living organisms and is a universal component of the spaces between the cells of body tissues (extracellular space). It is a mucopolysacharide that has an identical chemical structure whether it is found in simple bacteria or in human beings.
Hyaluronic Acid and Your Health
Hyaluronic acid (HA) was first discovered in 1934. HA is the principal compound in the body for retaining water in connective tissue, skin, and organs. HA is a component of collagen and can be derived and concentrated from collagen, but HA is created and degraded much more quickly in the body than most compounds. As we age, the ability to produce HA from within is gradually decreased. The ageing process is quite closely linked to this decrease in HA. For years, medical professionals have been using an injectable form of HA during eye surgery and into painful joints (synovial fluid normally has a high concentration of HA; painful joints do not have sufficient HA). Now researchers have proven that orally-administered Hyaluronic Acid will contribute directly to healthier skin, eyes, and joints. Less directly, but no less significantly, HA may help to hold back the entire degenerative process we call ageing.
ABC News Special Reporters visited the village of Yuzurihara, Japan, where 10 percent of the population are age 85 or older, which is ten times the number in the U.S.A. The ABC Special reported that "the residents of Yuzurihara are not only living longer, but they are also quite healthy." The secret is hyaluronic acid: The natives live on a diet of sweet potatoes and vegetables that promote the synthesis of Hyaluronic acid.
What Causes the Breakdown of Hyaluronic acid? The breakdown of collagen in joints is facilitated by an enzyme, hyaluronidase, that specifically attacks HA. Ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) and free radicals of all types stimulate the production of hyaluronidase. This means that the whole family of antioxidants can have a protective effect on HA, by inhibiting the production of excess hyaluronidase.
Bill Sardi, who has recently written a book about Hyaluronic acid entitled "How to Live 100 years Without Growing Old", says, "There are so many natural products that lay claim to anti-ageing benefits it is often confusing. There is no argument that the visible signs of ageing - baldness, voice change, skin wrinkling and dryness, shrinkage in height, joint pain and dependency upon eyeglasses - all emanate from the loss of Hyaluronic acid and not to direct shortages of any hormones like DHEA, or minerals like coral calcium, or any other widely promoted natural remedies.
"Once the industry sorts all this out, there will be a stampede for these Hyaluronic acid products." "Collagen is a side-show. It's the Hyaluronic acid that's doing all the healing."
Hyaluronic acid is a double molecule, glucosamine combined with glucuronic acid. Glucosamine is only one-half of the HA molecule, which is why glucosamine yields results much slower and much less dramatic than HA. Chondroitin raises the production of HA in the body, and thus for those on large doses, there may be some of the same anti-ageing benefits.
Those taking oral supplements containing hyluronic acid may want to know that it is derived from chicken cartilage. If you are allergic to chicken, consult your physician before taking. Inflammatory reactions have been reported, though rarely, and only as far as we know when using the injectable grade Hyaluronic acid.
While food supplements cannot claim to prevent or cure any disease, oral hyaluronic acid supplements may make a claim to promote and maintain healthy tissues in the eyes, liver, joints, skin, and leg veins. Peer-reviewed studies have been published on all of these conditions. HA supports youthful appearance, joint movement, and visual response among adults of a wide age range.
In the last two decades, the therapeutic and aesthetic uses of hyaluronic acid have been extended to a number of areas, including treatment of joint pain, use in fertility clinics, and tissue augmentation. In the past few years, biotechnology has been used to develop hyaluronic acid derivatives with tailor-made molecular sizes, which will further increase the potential applications of this remarkable molecule.
Hyaluronic Acid plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function, and is able to hold more water than any other natural substance. It's unmatched hydrating properties result in increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice provided by a healthcare professional. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing, treating or prescribing medication for treatment of a disease or health-related condition. You should carefully read all information provided in product packaging and follow the appropriate directions for use. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare professional.
Please note: Due to packaging updates, the image shown on the items may temporarily appear different from the product received. We try our best to keep all images updated.
