What is Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, also referred to as Hyaluronan, is a glycosaminoglycan, or GAG, a substance which attaches to elastin and collagen to form cartilage. Apart from keeping the cartilage, which cushions joints, flexible and strong, hyaluronic acid also helps in increasing the supplies of synovial fluid which lubricate the joints.

In fact, every tissue in the body has hyaluronic acid, and it is responsible for performing several important functions. It helps in delivering nutrients to as well as carrying toxins out of cells that are devoid of blood supply, like those in the cartilage. Hence, joints that do not have enough amounts become brittle and degenerate. Apart from keeping joints lubricated, hyaluronic acid also helps in retaining moisture in the other tissues of the body. Large concentrations are found in the space between cells, which is fluid filled, also known as the extracellular matrix, or ECM. It helps in locking the moisture inside the ECM, thus keeping the elastin and collagen moist, which results in a youthful appearance.

Is Hyaluronic Acid the Elixir of Youth?: The press has nicknamed hyaluronic acid as the 'elixir of youth' because of its anti-aging properties. It has been observed that some people whose diet is rich in this substance have a tendency of living to a ripe old age. According to a news report based on a Japanese village, it has been shown that the people in it have remarkably long lives, which has been linked to the starchy root vegetables that are high in HA which form a natural part of their diet.

Research: According to research, it has been shown that this is a highly effective treatment for osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis, especially in its injectable form, which is the only form that the FDA has given approval to for medical use to date. According to one study, it was found that more than 80% of the people who participated in it had gotten substantial relief from their arthritic symptoms directly after they were treated with hyaluronic supplement injections. This relief from pain lasted from 9-12 months, after which more injections were required in order to maintain the results.

Uses and Applications: The popularity is increasing in the medical field and the cosmetic industry. Cosmetic products that contain hyaluronic acid are being marketed with claims that they help in hydrating the skin, making the skin look more radiant and smoother. Hyaluronic acid is also being used for people who require it for restoring the cushioning of their joints in order to help them to flex their joints more easily. Medical research has also shown that this fluid helps in healing wounds faster and also reduces scars, both old as well as new ones. Injectable fillers are being used to reduce the sagging and lines of aging skin, as well as reducing the pit marks on the skin caused by injury or acne.

Eventually, hyaluronic acid is broken down and absorbed by the body; hence, both medical as well as cosmetic applications and uses are impermanent. In most of the cases, the supplementation lasts for about 6 to 9 months. Although repeat treatments are usually necessary.

Side Effects: To date there are no reports of any serious side effects linked with hyaluronic acid, but in some people the skin at the injection site does show signs of irritation. Plus, there are some reports of oral supplements causing irritation as well as rashes on the skin.