Learn More About Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan) is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate.  Hyaluronan occurs throughout the body in abundant amounts in many of the places people with hereditary connective tissue disorders have problems such as joints, heart valves and eyes.  Hyaluronic acid abnormalities are a common thread in connective tissue disorders.  Interestingly, they are also common biochemical anomalies in most of the individual features of connective tissue disorders such as mitral valve prolapse, TMJ, osteoarthritis, and keratoconus. 

Hyaluronic acid has been nicknamed by the press as the "key to the fountain of youth" because it has been noted that at least some people who ingest a lot of it in their diets tend to live to ripe old ages. ABC News had a show on a village in Japan and hyaluronic acid entitled, "The Village of Long Life: Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging Remedy?". (It should be noted that the people in the ABC news show were thought to get high amounts of HA from starchy root vegetables their natural diets. They were not taking supplements.)

While a number of studies have linked abnormal levels of hyaluronic acid to either connective tissue disorders (CTDs) or conditions common in CTDs, such as premature aging, there are also a number of studies on Pubmed noting associations of high levels of hyaluronic acid to some forms of cancer. With HA as with other substances in the human body, such as estrogen and cholesterol, there are most likely optimal levels, and disease often occurs when these levels become out of range in either direction. Low estrogen levels have been linked to bone loss, while high estrogen levels have been associated with breast cancer. High cholesterol levels have been linked to heart attacks and stroke, while low levels have been linked to bleeding problems and depression. HA has been studied less than either cholesterol or estrogen, but the prudent path would be to assume that the body has optimal levels of HA, as it does for cholesterol, estrogen and many other substances.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is a substance that attaches to collagen and elastin to form cartilage. HA not only helps keep the cartilage that cushions joints strong and flexible, but also helps increase supplies of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. Research has shown hyaluronic acid to be an effective treatment for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, particularly in its injectible form (the only form to date that has been approved for medical use by the FDA). In one study, over 80 percent of participants had significant relief of their painful arthritic symptoms immediately after treatment with HA injections. Pain relief lasted anywhere from nine to 12 months, after which time more injections were needed to maintain results. Hyaluronic acid is present in every tissue of the body, and it performs many important functions. It helps deliver nutrients to and carry toxins from cells that do not have a blood supply, such as those found in cartilage; without adequate amounts of HA, the joints will become brittle and deteriorate. Not only does it keep joints lubricated, but hyaluronic acid also encourages water retention in other bodily tissues. It is found in large concentrations in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the fluid-filled space between cells. HA locks moisture into the ECM, keeping collagen and elastin moist and promoting a youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid is gaining popularity in the cosmetic and medical industries. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid claim to hydrate the skin, allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant. Clinical studies have shown that it also helps wounds heal more quickly, and can reduce the appearance of both old and new scars. Injectible hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, are being to lessen the appearance of lines, sagging and depressions in the skin caused by acne scars or injury. Hyaluronic acid eventually breaks down and is absorbed in the body, so both cosmetic and medical applications are not permanent. In most cases, the hyaluronic acid augmentation usually lasts between 6-9 months. Repeat treatments will be necessary. Hyaluronic acid is available by injection, but you can also find many oral supplements at health food stores, pharmacies, and online distributorships. Studies show improvement in for most participants after only 2 to 4 months of oral supplementation, and some patients are able to decrease their dose after the desired results are achieved. There have been no serious side effects associated with hyaluronic acid, although some people find that their skin is irritated at the injection site, and there have been rare reports of oral supplements causing rashes and skin irritation as well.

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