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 the 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 possible thanks to the ability of hyaluronic acid to bind a lot of water and thus swell up considerably.

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

The 4 components of cartilage:

Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis

There are now a number of 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 a reduced feeling of 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 (see 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 for 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.

In the case of osteoarthritis, the combination with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM, as is the case with the combination preparation FLOW, is also ideal.

anti-inflammatory effect

Hyaluronic acid with a high molecular mass is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect by binding to certain receptors (so-called TLR4 receptors), which leads to a reduced release of inflammatory messenger substances.

Hyaluronic acid against wrinkles

In the skin, hyaluronic acid ensures firmness and a normal moisture content. Hyaluronic acid is found between the skin cells as a component of the connective tissue. As we age, however, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases and the skin loses elasticity and firmness, causing the first wrinkles to appear.

For the internal use of hyaluronic acid, three randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies (see Chinaatsu Kawada et al., Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin, Nutr J.2014; 13: 70) that taking 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 study from 2017 (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”). 60 women took hyaluronic acid capsules or a placebo for 3 months. After just 2 months, the depth of the wrinkles decreased significantly in the hyaluronic acid group, but not in the placebo group.