Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule present in all connective tissues in the body. It acts as a backbone, keeping everything together. However, as we age, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in our skin gradually decreases, leading to weaker skin and more wrinkles. To counter this, there Hyaluronic Acids been an increasing interest in Hyaluronic Acid supplements to strengthen the skin and reduce wrinkles. But, how do Hyaluronic Acid supplements work, and are they safe? In this article, we will look at the research on the effectiveness and safety of Hyaluronic Acid supplements for skin health.
Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Animal studies have shown that a substantial part of the Hyaluronic Acid supplements is absorbed. Moreover, multiple human clinical studies have shown that Hyaluronic Acid supplements are absorbed, and they have a significant effect on skin health. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies published in 2001, 2007, and 2017 have demonstrated that Hyaluronic Acid supplements significantly decrease wrinkles compared to the placebo group. In the 2017 study, two different forms of Hyaluronic Acid were compared, with no significant differences between the higher molecular weight and lower molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid supplements. Two separate studies published in 2021 also confirmed benefits with Hyaluronic Acid supplements. The molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid used in supplements can vary, and more research is required to determine the best molecular weight for skin health.
Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
The most common side effect of Hyaluronic Acid supplements is gastric discomfort. However, a significant concern on social media is that Hyaluronic Acid supplements may encourage cancer growth. Experiments with genetically altered cells have shown that cancer growth accelerated when Hyaluronic Acid was added to the cells. But, when mice with cancer were given Hyaluronic Acid supplements, there was no evidence of Hyaluronic Acid accelerating cancer growth. This suggests that Hyaluronic Acid supplements are safe to consume.
Other Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Apart from skin health, Hyaluronic Acid supplements may also benefit individuals with osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. A small placebo-controlled study Hyaluronic Acids shown that Hyaluronic Acid supplements appear to be effective for osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions joints, and it plays an important role in maintaining healthy cartilage.
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid supplements in treating osteoarthritis. In a small placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers found that participants who took hyaluronic acid supplements for 12 weeks had significantly reduced knee pain and stiffness compared to those who took a placebo.
Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that participants with knee osteoarthritis who took hyaluronic acid supplements for 8 weeks experienced a significant reduction in pain and improvement in knee function compared to those who took a placebo.
Hyaluronic acid supplements may work by helping to improve the viscosity and elasticity of synovial fluid, which can help to reduce friction and wear on the joints. Additionally, hyaluronic acid supplements may help to stimulate the production of new cartilage cells, which can help to repair damaged cartilage.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of hyaluronic acid supplements for osteoarthritis, these initial findings are promising and suggest that hyaluronic acid supplements may be a safe and effective natural treatment option for individuals with osteoarthritis.
Final Words
Hyaluronic Acid supplements are absorbed and significantly improve skin health, reducing wrinkles. While more research is required to determine the best molecular weight for skin health, higher molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid supplements have shown benefits in recent studies. The safety of Hyaluronic Acid supplements is supported by experiments on mice with cancer. Possible side effects include gastric discomfort, and Hyaluronic Acid supplements may also benefit individuals with osteoarthritis.