Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Skin:  Almost half of the body’s HA is located in the collagen of skin and it is logical that HA plays a vital role here.  Hyaluronic acid helps to retain over a 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturizer.  In fact, no other biological substance can retain as much water as HA resulting in increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles.  Equally important is its ability to remove waste matter from cells including those where there is little blood circulation.
Today, hyaluronic acid is considered equally important, if not more important, than Collagen. The most common application for hyaluronic acid is in anti-ageing therapy, particularly with cosmetic procedures such as the elimination of skin imperfections and wrinkles, but these are not without problems and since HA is destroyed by the body, they need to be repeated regularly and are often expensive.

Joints:  Most of us have heard of glucosamine supplements used for the treatment of arthritic conditions. Glucosamine belongs to a group of compounds known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These compounds help you build stronger, healthier and more flexible joints.  Hyaluronic acid is the most active form of GAG’s and it works as a shock absorber lubricating the fluid in the joint tissues as well as stabilising its breakdown.   It also works to remove the waste products, often acidic in nature, that arise from the destruction of the cartilage matrix and hence eases joint pain.  As an antioxidant, it further supports joint health by protecting joint destruction due to free radicals. Hyaluronic acid can be administered by way of injections directly into the knees, although treatment can be very expensive and often needs to be repeated due to its natural breakdown.

Eyes:  Hyaluronic acid is found in the vitreous fluid in the eyes and gives them their shape and characteristics.  The first hyaluronic acid medical product was intended for use in eye surgery specifically for cataract surgery and glaucoma and was used to hasten the healing process following surgery.  Since hyaluronic acid lubricates the eye tissues, it is of great benefit for people suffering from dry eyes. Oral supplements of HA may also help your eyesight. The reason for this is that as we age, less HA is found in the eye tissues and it is required to help support the eye structures.

Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common problem in the UK affecting 3 out of 4 adults over the age of 35.  Gum disease, and not tooth decay, is the single biggest cause of tooth loss.  Hyaluronic acid is an important connective tissue component in the gums helping with the regeneration of fresh healthy gum tissue as well as reducing any inflammation that leads to bleeding gums. Several studies indicate that applying hyaluronic acid as a gel (Gengigel) helps to reduce bleeding gums and other indicators of gum disease.
There are many additional benefits reported with the use of hyaluronic acid and these include faster wound healing, increased energy, dry skin relief, improved muscular strength and increased mental alertness. Can we really afford not to take hyaluronic acid supplements?

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with the use of  Hyaluronic Acid.

This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner.