Hyaluronic acid, which is produced by connective tissue cells (so-called fibroblasts), is found in almost all types of tissue in our body and is located outside the cells.

Functions of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is an important component of synovial fluid ("joint lubricant"), which forms a protective lubricating film on the cartilage in the joint and supplies the cartilage with nutrients. The synovial fluid acts as a kind of shock absorber, which is made possible by hyaluronic acid's ability to bind large amounts of water and thus swell considerably.

Another effect of this water-binding and swelling property of hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic one—namely, skin tightening. This also makes hyaluronic acid in high demand in the anti-aging segment.

The 4 components of cartilage:

Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis

There are now several studies in which patients have taken hyaluronic acid preparations (often for 8 weeks) – usually with 80 to 240 mg of hyaluronic acid, which led to a reduction in pain and stiffness.

A placebo-controlled double-blind study from 2012 (see Tashiro T et al., Oral Administration of Polymer Hyaluronic Acid Alleviates Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study over a 12-Month Period, The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2012, Article ID 167928) was able to show a positive effect in patients with knee osteoarthritis after one year of using 200 mg of hyaluronic acid per day.

In another placebo-controlled double-blind study from 2007 (cf. Ubia A. NutraCos 2007;July/August:21-2), 50 mg of orally administered hyaluronic acid was already able to significant pain reduction by 33% can be achieved.

Furthermore, a review from 2016 (cf. OeView M et al., Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review, January 2016, Nutrition Journal201615:11), in which all 13 clinical studies on the use of hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis were evaluated, shows positive results: In most cases, both the pain in the joint and the stiffness decreased, the functionality of the joint and the muscles improved, swelling decreased, bone metabolism could be optimized and/or the patient's activities increased.

The combination of u.a. with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM, as is the case in the combination preparation FLOW.

Anti-inflammatory effect

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect by binding to certain receptors (so-called TLR4 receptors), which leads to a reduced release of pro-inflammatory messenger substances.

Hyaluronic acid against wrinkles

In the skin, hyaluronic acid ensures firmness and normal moisture levels. Hyaluronic acid is found between the skin cells as a component of the connective tissue. However, with age, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases, causing the skin to lose elasticity and firmness, leading to the appearance of the first wrinkles.

Regarding the internal use of hyaluronic acid, three randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies (cf. Chinaatsu Kawada et al., Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin, Nutr J. 2014; 13: 70) show that the intake of 120-240 mg of hyaluronic acid per day could significantly increase the moisture content of the skin after 6 weeks at the latest.

In a 2017 study (see Mariko Oe et al., Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017; 10: 267–273), 120 mg/day was able to reduce wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (so-called "crow's feet"). In this study, 60 women took hyaluronic acid capsules or a placebo for three months. After just two months, wrinkle depth decreased significantly in the hyaluronic acid group, but not in the placebo group.