No doubt you will all be aware of hyaluronic acid and its widening prevalence in today’s health and beauty industry. You may see it as a featured ingredient in numerous products nowadays such as skin serums, joint supporting formulas and eye drops. Many people refer to it as nature’s moisturiser.
So what actually is hyaluronic acid, and why might it be beneficial to take it?
Hyaluronic acid is a type of carbohydrate molecule. It is a clear gel-like substance that is produced by the body naturally. It is a water holding molecule that is the space filler and cushioning agent in the body, and can retain over a thousand times its weight in water. It is found in the joints and other tissues such as the skin, and also in the eyes. As we age the body’s ability to manufacture hyaluronic acid declines, and so decreasing levels accompany the ageing process. There is much interest in how we can use hyaluronic acid to potentially prevent or lessen the symptoms and effects of ageing.
The main talking points expressed by the supporters of hyaluronic acid supplementation are the beneficial properties this molecule has for the skin, joints, and also the eyes.
Skin
We all long to have smooth, healthy, soft looking skin that is free from wrinkles. Almost half of the body’s hyaluronic acid is located in the skin tissue, alongside collagen; another component that is vital to maintaining healthy skin structure. Hyaluronic acid is found in both the deep dermal layers, as well as the visible top epidermal layers. The hyaluronic acid binds water molecules to retain moisture and improve skin hydration, boosting both texture and appearance. Youthful skin maintains its elasticity and plumped appearance due to a high content of water. As we age our natural levels of hyaluronic acid deplete, and this loss of moisture means drier, rougher and lined skin. Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid boosts skin health by increasing moisture, to improve the appearance and alleviate dry skin. Hyaluronic acid is also an essential part of skin healing processes and tissue regeneration. It even plays a beneficial role in gum health as an important connective tissue component in the gums.
Joints
Hyaluronic acid belongs to a group of compounds called glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) alongside glucosamine. These are compounds that help to build stronger, healthier and more flexible joints. Hyaluronic acid works as a shock absorber and lubricating fluid in joint tissues. As an antioxidant it supports joint health by protecting the joints from destruction due to free radicals, and it works to remove the often acidic waste products arising from the destruction of cartilage, that can often cause joint pain. Hyaluronic acid is taken by people for various joint disorders including osteoarthritis as it has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help with stiffness and pain. Clinical studies have shown that oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid can combat symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly those with early osteoarthritis.
Eyes
Hyaluronic acid is also found naturally in high concentrations in the eyes. It is found in vitreous humour - the fluid that fills the eyes and gives them their shape, helping to support the eye structures. The viscous gel acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye. Maintaining fluid in eye tissues is important, and hyaluronic acid is often found to be used as an ingredient in eye drops to help relieve dry eye symptoms.
Hyaluronic Acid supplementation
As an increasing amount of scientific research and clinical studies continues; more and more people are choosing to take an interest in the potential benefits, and are beginning to supplement their diet with hyaluronic acid. Oral supplementation is becoming increasingly popular, that is why we have produced a convenient one a day supplement of Hyaluronic Acid in an easy to take capsule. These are manufactured in the UK, in-house to ISO 9001 standards, with stringent quality control measures at every stage, using the highest quality raw ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers.
Click here to order or for further product information visit www.hellenia.co.uk
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110621/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21787831
https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/hyaluronic-acid-inflammation-and-tissue-regeneration
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24899570
https://clintransmed.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40169-017-0180-3
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