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 possible thanks to 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 It is a cosmetic effect – namely, the tightening of the skin. This is why hyaluronic acid is in high demand in the anti-aging segment.

The 4 components of cartilage:

Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis

Meanwhile, several studies have been conducted in which patients took hyaluronic acid preparations (often for 8 weeks) – mostly with 80 to 240 mg of hyaluronic acid, which led to a reduction in pain and a decrease in 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) showed 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 (see Ubia A. NutraCos 2007; July/August: 21-2), an effect was already observed with 50 mg of orally administered hyaluronic acid. significant pain reduction of 33% can be achieved.

Furthermore, a review article from 2016 (see OeView M et al., Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review, January 2016, Nutrition Journal 2016 15:11), which evaluated all 13 clinical studies on the use of hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis, shows positive results: In most cases, both joint pain and stiffness decreased, joint and muscle function improved, swelling subsided, bone metabolism was optimized, and/or the patient's activity levels increased.

The combination is also ideal for osteoarthritis. u.a. with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and MSM, as is the case in the combination product 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 for wrinkles

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

Regarding 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) show that the intake of 120-240 mg of hyaluronic acid per day was able to significantly increase the moisture content of the skin after a maximum of 6 weeks.

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 reduced wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (so-called "crow's feet"). Sixty 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.