Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

Hyaluronic acid supplements are being touted for use in numerous concerns and yet their benefits has always been questioned but what exactly is hyaluronic acid and what are the benefits of taking hyaluronic acid supplements? Hyaluronic acid is often described as providing multiple benefits for skin, joints, eyes and other structures in the body. Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is now widely available in capsules, serums, moisturisers and even injectables but what are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?  There are an ever increasing amount of hyaluronic acid supplements and this magical ingredient appears to be on every supplement manufacturers list and on every skin care list of must have ingredients? So is hyaluronic acid beneficial or not? 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like water holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent in all mammals. HA cushions joints, nerves, hydrates skin and hair, and fills the eye. Although originally discovered in 1934 by Karl Meyer, HA gained momentum only after a visit by a reporter to a Japanese village of Yuzuri Hara to find out why both men and women in their 80’s and 90’s had smooth wrinkle free skin, flexible joints, full heads of hair and activity levels that defied their age. This was eventually found to be related to oestrogen-like molecules in their diet from soya and tofu, which sent signals to the cells to make more hyaluronic acid.

Our bodies roughly contain 15 grams of HA and it is found in virtually every part of the body. With such a widespread occurrence, it is logical that HA also has multiple functions. Scientific studies have shown that HA improves skin hydration, stimulates production of collagen in skin, works as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, maintains skin elasticity, cushions joints and nerve tissues, has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues, which may help to protect against numerous possible eye concerns.

The average human body contains roughly 15 grams of HA, one third of which is degraded and synthesized on a daily basis. This is where the problems arise! The manufacture of every single protective agent in the body declines with age and HA is no exception to this rule. Decreasing levels of hyaluronic acid are known to accompany the ageing process and it is estimated that by the time we reach our mid-40’s, the synthesis of HA is roughly half that required by the body.  This is why many of us choose to take hyaluronic acid supplements.

Is taking Hyaluronic Acid orally effective?

There are several small studies outlining positive benefits for those taking hyaluronic acid supplements. There is evidence that oral hyaluronic acid helps to improve skin hydration levels, improve the appearance of fine lines, help alleviate dry eyes and improve joint mobility in those suffering from arthritis. There is good reason to believe that hyaluronic acid is absorbed through the gut to some extent which calls for higher strengths to be taken rather than low strength hyaluronic acid tablets, capsules & supplements which are prevalent today.

Is it safe to take Hyaluronic Acid Supplements?

Taking Hyaluronic acid supplements is generally recognised as safe and has not been found to cause any major side effects. Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound produced within the body and any rare reactions such as allergies may often be associated with the inclusion of possible allergens within the formulation of hyaluronic acid supplements. 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

There are numerous articles and small studies about the benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements for skin, face, joints & eyes. Aside from supplements, there are hundreds of hyaluronic acid skincare products on the market so let's evaluate some of hyaluronic acid's benefits. 

Hyaluronic acid for 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 moisturiser. 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 supplements are 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.

Additional hyaluronic acid serums & hyaluronic acid moisturisers hydrate skin and prevent skin from drying out which can lead to acne whilst some people report skin brightening and lightening properties using hyaluronic acid skincare.

Hyaluronic acid for 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. It is therefore not a surprise that some of the best hyaluronic acid supplements are combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs and gaining in popularity. 

Hyaluronic acid for the eyes:  The benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements for eyes may be somewhat surprising. Hyaluronic acid is often found in eye creams and eye drops but what is their role? 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, Hyaluronic acid eye drops are of great benefit for people suffering from dry eyes. Oral hyaluronic acid capsules, tablets or supplements may also help your eyesight and are thought to be beneficial in alleviating eye floaters. 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.

There are many eye creams with hyaluronic acid and this is because these eye creams help to hydrate and plump the skin around the eyes making them appear less wrinkled. Eye creams with hyaluronic acid and retinol go one step further since retinol enhances cell turnover to reveal healthy new youthful skin.

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 gum disease and bleeding gums.

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?

We recommend VH Hyaluronic Acid capsules which provide 325mg of sodium hyaluronate, the bioavailable form of hyaluronic acid, together with BioPerine® which enhances the absorption of hyaluronic acid. In addition, this hyaluronic acid supplement contains non-acidic Vitamin C which works in synergy with hyaluronic acid for the manufacture of collagen for joints, bones and skin. Hyaluronic acid is generally without side effects and at the time of writing there are no well-known drug interactions with taking hyaluronic acid supplements. 

 

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