When supplement makers present a long list of the beneficial effects of a new product it is a good idea to hold onto your wallet. Chances are they are pushing the modern day version of snake oil to unsuspecting suckers. While a few overthecounter substances, such as aspirin and creatine monohydrate, do indeed have many legitimate uses, most supplements have little or no effects on health or performance.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is different. It holds the promise of being the next supplement superstar because of its many remarkable properties. Scientists, orthopedic surgeons, cosmetic makers, and clinical physicians have found HA useful for moisture retention in the skin, joint lubrication, wound repair (particularly for diabetic ulcers), and maintenance of eye health.
Hyaluronic acid combines with protein and chondroitin sulfate (another popular supplement for promoting joint health) in the space between cells of connective tissue such as skin, where it maintains structure, moisture, lubrication of the tissue, and acts as a barrier against bacteria. This chemical is found in tissues throughout the body and is a critical component of connective tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is particularly important in skin, where it helps keep it smooth and plump because of its remarkable ability to bind with water. HA is an important chemical used to make synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. It also plays an important role in wound healing, preventing acne, and main taining eyesight.
The ability to moisturize is a key factor in maintaining vibrant, smooth, youthful, and healthy skin. Skin loses moisture with age. Hyaluronic acid is a critical chemical for maintaining skin moisture. The skin loses HA with age, which triggers wrinkles and loss of elasticity. The decrease in HA begins in the early 20s and acceler ates when you hit 40. HA deterioration also affects the formation and maintenance of collagen, which is critical for maintaining skin elasticity and tone. HA is readily absorbed and maintained by the skin. Many skin products are beginning to contain this remarkable chemical because of its moisturizing properties. Toxicity studies show that HA is safe even when taken in high levels.
Cosmetic and supplement makers have introduced HA that can be taken in two forms to prevent skin aging and treating facial wrinkling: an externally applied gel or cream or as a supplement consumed internally. HA is readily absorbed in and through the skin, which makes it very useful for improving its health and vitality at the deepest levels of the epidermis, while moisturizing the skin and reducing wrinkles. The justification for an oral HA supplement is less clear. HA is broken down in the gut but its build ing blocks can be used to synthesize new collagen--- an important component for the repair and maintenance of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid abnormalities--- associated with hereditary connective tissue disorders--- have been linked with diseases of the joints, heart valves, and eyes. HA problems are also associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. About 5 years ago, orthopedic surgeons began injecting hyaluronic acid into joints to improve lubrication. The treatments are somewhat painful but provide relief for approximately six months.
Dermatology research shows that hyaluronic acid applied topically penetrates through the skin rapidly. Many studies using animals and humans show that HA is very effective for promoting wound healing and promoting cartilage and other connective tissue growth. Topical application of HA holds the promise of facilitating the healing rate of external wounds (i.e.,diabetic ulcers) and internal joint, tendon, and ligament injuries. HA is important for managing inflammation associated with the healing process and providing building blocks for promoting tissue repair.
Many human and animal studies show that HA promotes wound healing. In diabetics, HA was 98 percent effective in promoting healing in diabetic ulcers that were resistant to treatment. Wound healing capacity decreases progressively with age, particularly in diabetics. One reason for this is that HA levels decrease with age. HA promotes cell repair and regeneration in injured tissue and can make up for deficits in older people.
Hyaluronic acid is vital to eye health. It makes up 80 percent of the solid chemicals contained in the human eye. It acts as a shock absorber for the retina and helps prevent trauma to the eye. Ophthalmology researchers have been exploring the use of hyaluronic acid to promote eye health.
The most exciting applications are in sports medicine. Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injections are useful in treating arthritis in the knee, shoulder, great toe, and speeding healing in Achilles tendon injuries. The advantage of topical application is that it is inexpensive, painless, and maintains a constant level of HA in the injured area. Injections cost $300-$600 and the concentrations vary considerably during the treatment period--- high in the beginning and tapering off until they are ineffective.
Topical hyaluronic acid supplements hold great promise for promoting skin health, wound healing, and treating injured joints. Its excellent waterholding capacity helps it retain moisture in the eyes, joints, and skin tissues. The number of products using the remarkable properties of hyaluronic acid will increase in the future. It may prove to be the next supplement superstar.
