Overview

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints. The hyaluronic acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory.

The FDA has approved the use of hyaluronic acid during certain eye surgeries including cataract removal, corneal transplantation, and repair of a detached retina and other eye injuries. It is injected into the eye during the procedure to help replace natural fluids. The FDA has also approved the use of hyaluronic acid for injection into the knee for patients with kneeosteoarthritis.

People use hyaluronic acid for various joint disorders, urinary tract infections (UTIs), acid reflux, dry eyes, vaginal pain, aging, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Substance naturally present in human body

Primary Functions:

Joint disorders, urinary tract infections, acid reflux, dry eyes, vaginal pain, aging

Also Known As:

Acide Hyaluronique, Ácido Hialurónico, Glycosaminoglycan, Glycosaminoglycane

How Does It Work?

Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In addition, it might affect the way the body responds to injury.

Uses

• Cataracts. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the eye is effective when used during cataract surgery by an eye surgeon.
• Swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis). Hyaluronic acid is effective for treating mouth sores when applied as a gel or used as a rinse.
• Aging skin. Some research shows that injecting a specific hyaluronic acid product (Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Allergan) into facial wrinkles can reduce wrinkles for up to one year. Also taking a product containing hyaluronic acid and other ingredients (GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Anti-Aging Formula) by mouth seems to decrease wrinkles and damage from the sun when used for 3 months.
• Dry eye. Most research shows that using eye drops containing hyaluronic acid up to 8 times a day helps to relieve symptoms of dry eye.
• Osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint by a healthcare provider to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Hyaluronic acid is approved by the FDA for this condition. But not all people seem to benefit from this treatment. Also, any improvement is usually short-term. Having hyaluronic acid injected into the joint is not recommended for most people with osteoarthritis, but can be discussed with your doctor. Some early research shows that taking hyaluronic acid by mouth might reduce pain in some people with osteoarthritis. But not all research agrees.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

• For aging skin: A specific product (GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Anti-Aging Formula, Isocell North America Inc.) containing krill oil, sea buckthorn berry oil, cacao bean extract, and hyaluronic acid, has been used daily for 90 days.
• For osteoarthritis: A specific product (Oralvisc, Bioibérica) 80 mg has been used daily for 3 months.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

• For dry eye: Eye drops (Hyalistil, Hyalein, New Hyaluni, Hyaluni, Visaid) containing 0.1% to 0.3% hyaluronic acid have been used 3-8 times daily.
• For swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis): Hyaluronic acid (Gelclair, Helsinn Healthcare SA) can be mixed with water and used as a mouth rinse.

BY INJECTION:

• For aging skin: Healthcare providers can inject a hyaluronic acid product (Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Allergan) into skin wrinkles.
• For osteoarthritis: Healthcare providers can inject hyaluronic acid into the joint.

Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is taking hyaluronic acid orally effective?

This study found that daily supplementation with oral hyaluronic acid enhanced several markers of quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, and this study concluded that oral intake of high purity hyaluronic acid is effective in the treatment of American patients of knee osteoarthritis.

Is it safe to take hyaluronic acid supplements?

Hyaluronic acid is generally very safe to use, with few reported side effects. Since the body naturally produces it, allergic reactions are very rare. One study in 60 people with osteoarthritis who took 200 mg daily for one year reported no negative side effects 

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid?

People who receive injections containing hyaluronic acid may experience the following side effects, which should clear up within a week:

• bruising

Is hyaluronic acid bad for your liver?

Serum HA increased with severity of liver damage from fatty liver through fatty liver and fibrosis, fatty liver and inflammation, severe fibrosis and inflammation to cirrhosis with the highest of HA levels. Our study showed that hyaluronic acid has the highest diagnostic sensitivity, ACC and NPV in alcoholic cirrhosis.

Is it better to ingest hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid supplements can be safely taken by most people and provide many health benefits. Hyaluronic acid is well known for its skin benefits, especially alleviating dry skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and speeding up wound healing.

Is there a natural form of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a hot topic at the moment, mainly because of its properties as a powerful ingredient in the fight against ageing. Whilst our bodies naturally contain Hyaluronic acid, over the years the amount in our body declines, much in the same way that our collagen does.

Which is better collagen or hyaluronic acid?

A: Collagen and hyaluronic acid are the key components of healthy, youthful skin (as well as joints). Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of the skin because of its ability to promote collagen. Collagen firms the skin while hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates the collagen.

What is the best source of hyaluronic acid?

Here are some foods high in hyaluronic acid, as well as some foods that help increase hyaluronic-acid production, that you should be eating.

• Bone Broth. Eating bone broth is your best bet when it comes to hyaluronic acid.
• Soy-Based Foods
• Starchy Root Vegetables
• Citrus Fruits
• Leafy Greens

Why hyaluronic acid is bad for your skin?

Why could hyaluronic acid dry skin out? If you're applying hyaluronic acid to a very dry face, it can actually end up drawing moisture from the deeper levels of your skin, which in turn will cause more harm than good and leave your complexion feeling tight and uncomfortable.

Can you use too much hyaluronic acid on your face?

In skin care, it's used — and raved about — for its humectant properties, which help to draw and hold moisture, resulting in firmer-looking, hydrated skin. It's not an exfoliating kind of acid, but it turns out you can still overdo it.

Does hyaluronic acid firm skin?

In simpler terms, hyaluronic acid is a substance your body uses to keep your skin and connective tissue lubricated, strong and healthy. By keeping your skin hydrated, it contributes to a smooth, firm and plump look. Skin that's dehydrated and lacking in hyaluronic acid can often look washed out and less elastic.

Should you take hyaluronic acid with collagen?

Taking both is ideal if you are looking for a top notch anti-aging supplement plan. Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of the skin because of its ability to promote collagen. Collagen firms the skin while hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates the collagen.

Is hyaluronic acid toxic?

Hyaluronic acid was not toxic in a wide range of acute animal toxicity studies, over several species and with different exposure routes. Widespread clinical use of hyaluronic acid, primarily by injection, has been free of significant adverse reactions.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid every day?

Like with any new skincare product, you should start slow with hyaluronic acid, applying it once per day to see how your skin takes to it. If you find your skin is really benefiting from the additional hydration, you should apply it once in the morning and once in the evening.

How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work?

As a general rule, you'll need to give it four to six weeks before seeing definite results. However, like moisturisers, they also often contain ingredients that let you see some immediate benefit. Our Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum, as the name suggests, contains hyaluronic acid as the star ingredient.

What can I use instead of hyaluronic acid?

Similar to hyaluronic acid, the ingredient, Xilogel (an extract of Tanarindus indicia), has strong anti-aging and hydrating properties and can be used as a moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredient.

Does hyaluronic acid help with joint pain?

Osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint by a healthcare provider to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Hyaluronic acid is approved by the FDA for this condition. But not all people seem to benefit from this treatment.

 

Clinical Studies