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

 

Tasks of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid forms an important component of the synovial fluid (“joint fluid”), which forms a protective lubricating film on the cartilage in the joint and through which the cartilage is supplied with nutrients. The synovial fluid acts as a kind of shock absorber, which is possible thanks to the property of hyaluronic acid to bind a lot of water and swell so much.

Another effect of this water-binding and swelling property of hyaluronic acid is a cosmetic one - namely the tightening of 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 took hyaluronic acid preparations (often for 8 weeks) - usually with 80 to 240 mg of hyaluronic acid, which led to reduced pain and a reduced feeling of stiffness.

A placebo-controlled double-blind study from 2012 (cf. 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) after one year of use of 200 mg of hyaluronic acid per Day show a positive effect in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

In another placebo-controlled double-blind study from 2007 (cf. Ubia A. NutraCos 2007;July/August:21-2) a significant pain reduction of 33% could be achieved with just 50 mg of orally administered hyaluronic acid.

Furthermore, a review from 2016 shows (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 for knee osteoarthritis were evaluated, positive results: in most cases both the pain in the joint and the stiffness decreased , the functionality of the joint and muscles improved, swelling decreased, bone metabolism could be optimized and/or the patient's activities increased.

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

 

Anti-inflammatory effect

Hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight 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

Hyaluronic acid ensures firmness and normal moisture content in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is located between the skin cells as a component of the connective tissue. With increasing age, however, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases and it loses its elasticity and firmness, so that the first wrinkles appear.

There are three randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies on the internal use of hyaluronic acid (cf. 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 (cf. Mariko Oe et al., Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017; 10: 267–273) 120 mg/day were able to reduce wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (see above). Reduce “crow’s feet”). 60 women took hyaluronic acid capsules or a placebo for three months. After just 2 months, the depth of wrinkles decreased significantly in the hyaluronic acid group, but not in the placebo group.