Oral Hyaluronic Acid - safe relief

If you ever bought a lotion or serum to reduce wrinkles you have likely heard of the ingredient hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate is a gooey substance manufactured in the body and found throughout particularly in connective tissue, blood vessels, organs, skin, and joint cartilage. In fact the human body contains about 15 grams of it. It is also found in synovial fluid (the body’s natural joint lubricant).  HA’s main function is to hydrate and lubricate body tissues by holding water. A quarter teaspoon can hold 1 ½ gallons of water. Amazing right?

This high moisture retention is why HA containing lotions can smooth fine skin wrinkles and reduce craping. It is also used in some eye drops for curing dry eyes. Still another use for HA is to reduce arthritic joint pain and stiffness.  HA derived from rooster combs is injected into the knee where it attracts water helping to hydrate and lubricate the joint.  As friction is significantly reduced, inflammation and joint pain also decrease. Studies have shown greater pain relief and motion improvement over the use of topicals and NSAIDs such as Aleve and Advil. If you have arthritis pain this could be significant.  Why live with joint pain if maybe you don’t have to. Benefits last about 6 + months before necessitating another injection.

Hyaluronic Oral

Hyaluronic acid is also available as an oral supplement. Studies have proven it survives digestion and is utilized by body tissues. Multiple studies have exhibited it’s efficacy in reducing joint pain, specifically knee pain as it was the condition most studied. Other trials have shown significant improvement in overall joint pain. Results of oral supplementation are consistent with results from injections. Injections, however, have a localized effect whereas oral supplementation is more systemic. This means oral supplementation could provide relief to whole body symptoms. Other advantages to oral supplements are they don’t require a doctor to administer, no risk of site infection and no pain from the injection.

Other benefits of oral supplementation because of the ubiquitous nature of HA (found in most tissues) it will also help hydrate the rest of your body. Take if for arthritis and get the benefit of less dry eyes, smoother skin, healthier tendons and connective tissue. Other studies have even shown muscle size and strength increases as well as quicker healing.

If you are using HA serums for your skin you are probably cheating yourself from even better results by not taking it orally as well. It’s reasonably priced and widely available so why not give it a try. You can find it at CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, etc.   Add a collagen supplement for even better results.

 Clinical studies have shown HA to be safe with no adverse events. It has been used as a supplement in Japan for over 30 years. When starting supplements always consult your physician particularly if you are taking medication.

References:

Ncbi.nim.nih.gov Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review

My.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles22915-hyaluronic-acid

Healthine.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits

McGill.ca/oss/articles/health Is hyaluronic acid all hype?