subject: Hyaluronic Acid – for Good Joint Health [print this page] Hyaluronic Acid for Good Joint Health Hyaluronic Acid for Good Joint Health
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the reported effects of hyaluronic acid (HA). Here is one in a series of reports on this subject:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Explained
(HA) can be found in many areas throughout the body. It is essential for good skin, eye and joint health which is where the highest concentrations of HA appear. Hyaluronic acid is an important factor in cell maintenance, wound repair and cellular regeneration.
It also helps deliver nutrients to and remove impurities from cells that lack a blood supply like those found in cartilage. HA enhances water retention in body tissues, and it is a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the space between cells that is filled with fluid.
As it is an important ingredient in synovial fluid, HA is essential to good joint health it acts as a lubricant, a shock absorber and it provides protection from physical trauma. Without necessary amounts of HA, the joints become brittle and deteriorate.
With advancing age, the levels of HA decline, but supplements may offer a natural remedy in the treatment of arthritis and other diseases affecting the joints.
Supplementation of hyaluronic acid is said to provide a host of benefits to enhance joint health such as reduced inflammation, cartilage protection, joint lubrication and pain relief.
Research Facts
Research has shown that HA supplements for joint pain and overall joint health can be effective. A 2008 study published in Nutrition Journal showed that daily supplements of a natural extract of chicken combs containing 60% HA enhanced the quality of life in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.
The study tested 20 male and female subjects, 40 years of age and older. Subjects had experienced symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee for at least six months and pain was present for 15 days or more in the prior month.
The subjects were randomly treated with oral supplementation (HA) or a placebo. At the end of the study period, the HA-treated subjects experienced a greater reduction in total symptoms compared with subjects treated with a placebo.
Those in the HA-treated group also experienced less joint pain as compared to the placebo group, as well as a significant improvement in physical and social functioning.
Oral Use vs. Injection
Hyaluronic acid can be taken by injection through a health care provider, and it is available in the form of oral supplements, which can be found at health food stores, pharmacies and through online natural supplement sites.
There are no serious side effects associated with supplementation of HA, but some people experience skin irritation at the injection site. In addition, there have been rare reports of oral supplements causing rashes and skin irritation.
Studies show improvement in joint health and a reduction of joint pain in most consumers after two to four months of oral supplementation, and some patients are able to reduce their dosage upon reaching desired results.
