subject: Benefits and History of Oral Hyaluronic Acid? [print this page] Benefits and History of Oral Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural jelly-like substance that is found in the tissues of all living organisms. It is a mucopolysaccharide that is part of the connective tissue, cartilage, skin, and joint and eye fluids. One of HA's functions is to fill the space between collagen and elastin fibers. It provides transport of essential nutrients from the blood to living skin cells. It delivers nutrients and removes toxins from cells which do not have a blood supply. It is extremely hydrating because it holds a large amount of water around the cells and it cushions and lubricates the cells. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and decreases enzymatic reactions which degrade the joint.
As we age, our ability to produce hyaluronic acid is reduced and our natural stores become depleted. Zinc and magnesium have been associated with HA production and these nutrients may be both in higher demand for enzymatic action and lower supply due to lack of appetite and poor absorption as we age. In addition, many people with connective tissue disorders such as mitral valve prolapse and osteoarthritis or autoimmune disease such as fibromyalgia have been found to have abnormally low levels of HA. With less HA, our joints can lose their natural lubrication, and our skin appears rough and dry. Without HA, joints become brittle and deteriorate rapidly.
Treatments with injectable HA have been used for 30 years for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ophthalmology, and wound care. More recently, the drug has been dubbed "The key to the Fountain of Youth" and its hydrating properties have been used for plastic surgical and cosmetic procedures, such as lip plumping. These treatments tend to be expensive and do not last long, as the hyaluronic acidbreaks down andis reabsorbed by the body. Injections typically last 3-6 months and may fade, causing an irregular appearance and ultimately the appearance of new wrinkles.
Topical creams have also been used to hydrate the skin and make it appear smoother and more radiant. Topical preparations must be applied daily. Both injections and topical treatments have been used to expedite wound healing and reduce scars, both old and new.
More recently, interest has risen in the oral form of HA. ABC news reported a story of one Japanese village with exceptionally youthful looks and extensive longevity whose staple diet naturally contained culturally specific root vegetables with high amounts of HA.
One of the challenges in developing oral HA is that its molecular structure has been too large to be absorbed through the gut effectively. Consequently it is degraded by stomach acid. Now a method of altering the structure to prevent degradation and increase absorption has been devised.
Oral HA is sold as a nutritional supplement and as such, is not subject to the FDA's rulings. There have not been any serious side effects of taking HA. Elimination studies in both humans and horses have shown that excess is removed efficiently by the kidney and liver. Commercially, hyaluronic acid may be either animal (usually taken from rooster combs or bovine eye fluid) or synthetic, which is biosynthesized from streptococcus bacterium. You will likely notice benefits after 1-4 weeks.
Forever Active HA provides a unique oral form of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, with moisturizing and lubricating properties, plus Ginger Oil and Turmeric making it one of the most powerful nutritional joint and skin moisturizing supplements on the market. For centuries, Chinese herbalists have used Ginger and Turmeric to help promote proper joint function. With low molecular weight HA, plus the power of Ginger Oil and Turmeric,Forever Active HA is your key to becoming a well-oiled machine again!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases. You should consult your physician if you are experiencing a medical problem.
