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Hyaluronic Acid

Also known as: Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate (as sodium or potassium salt)

Overview

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large polysaccharide that is found naturally throughout the body and in high concentrations in the skin, the joint fluid, and the eye. It plays a role in many important bodily functions, including wound healing, joint lubrication and ovulation. As a supplement, it is most frequently used for joint health, to treat dry eyes, and in anti-aging products for the skin.

Benefits

HA is a large hydrophilic molecule. When it is released from cells, it binds water, and this helps with hydration of the cells. It also attracts fluid into the synovial fluid of the joints and the vitreous fluid in the eye, hydrating and lubricating these areas. When it is produced by cells, HA is a long molecule with a high molecular weight. In this form, it binds to certain proteins produced by the immune system, such as IL-8, and prevents autoimmune responses and inflammation.

How it works

HA is useful in several branches of medicine. Ophthalmologists use it in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, orthopedics specialists use it for different types of arthritis and joint pain, and aesthetic practitioners use HA in fillers. It seems to have potential in other areas, too, such as wound healing and the treatment of burns. In all of these applications, HA helps with hydration, lubrication, and tissue regeneration. High-molecular-weight HA is produced in healthy cells. High-molecular-weight HA is associated with anti-inflammatory effects, and seems to slow down immune responses. Other potential uses that are being looked into include alopecia treatments, regeneration of nerves in peripheral neuropathy, and use of HA in vascular grafts to help with healing.

Side effects

For oral supplementation, the recommended dosage is 120 mg per day, with supplements usually available in either 60 mg or 120 mg tablets. For dry eye treatments, drops are usually available in 0.3% solutions, although they may be effective from as low as 0.1%. Topical creams and serums range from 0.1% to 0.3% HA concentrations, and will contain a mixture of high- and low-molecular-weight HA.

Dosage

Since hyaluronic acid is found within the body and is naturally produced in the cell membranes, it is biocompatible and rarely causes any adverse effects. In products made from animal sources, the potential for an allergic reaction exists, but is unlikely. One potential drawback of endogenous HA is that cancer cells may also produce high-molecular-weight HA. In these cells, the regenerative properties of HA support tumor growth by improving blood supply and can even protect the tumor from anticancer drugs. Some cancer treatments therefore include hyaluronidase to break down HA so that the medication can reach the tumor. At very low molecular weights, measured as 40 KDa and below, HA can be a sign of stress and may be associated with inflammation.

FAQs

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a mucopolysaccharide that is part of a family called the glycosaminoglycans. These long-chain sugar molecules appear naturally in cell membranes throughout the human body, and help with hydration of tissues and other important cell functions. For supplementation, hyaluronic acid may be produced using animal sources, but can also be isolated from fermented bacteria.

What are hyaluronic acid’s main benefits?

Is hyaluronic acid effective as an anti-aging supplement?

HA is often used in aesthetics in the form of topicals, tablets or injectables. A recent study suggests that oral intake of HA could improve skin hydration and wrinkles, with differences most notable on the face. However, long-term studies are needed to determine whether these effects are long-lasting. If not, lifelong supplementation could be necessary.

Are hyaluronic acid eye drops good for dry eyes?

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tear production or fast evaporation. One method for managing the symptoms is to use 'artificial tear' products—eye drops that can lubricate eyes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been investigated as a component of artificial tear products due to its ability to bind to ocular surface cells, enhance wound healing, and reduce the viscosity of the overall fluid. A 2021 meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials on participants with dry eye syndrome compared eye drops containing HA with eye drops not containing HA, including many artificial tear products with other ingredients. Hyaluronic acid improved tear production relative to saline and some artificial tear products, but not all artificial tear products.