Hyaluronic Acid Guide: The Body’s Natural Lubricant

The Advantages of Using Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

As is true of so many supplements used today, hyaluronic acid (HA) lives naturally in our bodies. It’s mainly found in synovial fluid, which we’ve talked about in other articles. In order to keep our joints, tendons, and all connective tissue well lubricated so we can move freely, some of our membranes release it into those needed areas. That means that HA is another crucial substance in our quest for health and fitness. It also aids in muscle growth, keeps our immune systems functioning with its lubricating properties that fight free radicals and other harmful intruders, and helps us absorb certain vitamins. Additionally we find it in our eyes and heart valves.

Since it is also a protein, it helps form the very structure of our bodies because every cell contains amino acids and proteins. This valuable substance also goes by the names “sodium hyaluronate” and “hyaluronan”. As is true of so many components or our bodies, HA levels tend to decrease as we age. Bodybuilders and other people that put significant stress on their musco-skeletal system also use up their HA reserves at an accelerated rate. Thankfully we live in an age that provides supplementation to so many of our inner resources.

How/What Makes It Work?

Hyaluronan coats cartilage cells. It then takes part in a chemical process that lets them absorb water; thus cartilage remains flexible. When there isn’t enough moisture in these cells the cartilage dries out and we lose flexibility.

Another area where it works for us is in our skin. In fact the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved hyaluronan in 2003 as a wrinkle reducer. These days many people focus on youth and beauty and products that help stave off aging practically jump of the shelves. HA injections offer temporary smoothness because of its moisture retaining properties. It plumps up facial or other wrinkled skin areas and creates a smooth surface. It’s also available in creams and serums.

Who Should Use It?

The big answer is that everyone needs it, although some groups benefit more from HA supplementation than others.

• Bodybuilders – and any other athletes who routinely put major stress on their joints should consider using hyaluronic acid supplements. In addition to stressing their musco-skeletal structure, these folks also compromise their immune systems by lowering their resistance to free radicals, bacterial infections, and viruses. Taking a regular dose of an HA supplement will provide the antioxidant effect of fighting off the damage. When we compromise our immune systems through excessive exercise, workouts, or stress, we open ourselves up to all sorts of health problems, including sport’s injuries
• Osteoarthritis – arthritis plagues most of us as we age, but when we continually work our bodies to higher levels of endurance it generally comes on earlier. Keeping those joints, muscles, ligaments and all connective tissue well lubricated will help delay the onset. In fact some studies show that maintaining high levels of hyaluronan will even repair damaged cartilage. Those with severe joint pain often receive injections of HA to stimulate new tissue production and repair sustained damage
• Immune System – because of its infection fighting properties, HA benefits those with suppressed immunity problems
• Eye Health – HA promotes healthy eye tissue and is even frequently administered after cataract removal surgery. Doctors also use it for other ocular surgeries such as cornea transplant, detached retinas, and glaucoma
• Skin – hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple and moist. Its hydrating qualities make it a popular anti-aging supplement
• Heart Valve – HA works to keep the heart pumping efficiently so that blood will deliver oxygen and nutrients where they are needed in the body
• Muscles, Tissue, Joints n HA is crucial to keeping the musco-skeletal system well-oiled and working smoothly. Because it enhances every tissue, its ability to attract water plumps up every cell
• Vitamins – another benefit of using HA is that it helps us assimilate vitamins

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don’t do so without consulting a healthcare professional.

How Should I Take It?

As with any supplement or medication, anyone using HA should carefully read the label directions. It’s also wise to buy hyaluronic acid supplements from a manufacturer that you’re familiar with. The FDA doesn’t regulate how these products are made and some companies may use unhealthy fillers or not keep their factories sterile and safe.

You should also tell your doctor that you plan to use HA supplementation, especially if you take prescribed medications. Other people to talk with about hyaluronan include your coach or trainer, nutritionist, and fellow athletes. We learn a lot about effective products by sharing our experiences with one another.

Also since everyone has different chemistry, some trial and error is usually called for when setting up our training and supplementation routines. Always remember that more isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes it’s fine to take more than a recommended dose of a product but only if our research and discussions show that it’s safe to do so.

There are a couple of recommendations concerning HA supplements. Sufficient levels of magnesium are necessary for it to work properly, so hyaluronic acid users should also add some magnesium with it. Also too much vitamin C will break down the HA so if you take a lot of C, cut back while you take HA.

Forms

Manufactures of HA often combine it with other substances that promote and maintain good joint health. For example glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements often contain hyaluronic acid as well. Each of these substances help to keep us limber and arthritis free because they lubricate our joints, keep cartilage healthy, and boost our immune systems. These combinations are usually sold as capsules or tablets.

Because HA moisturizes both internally and externally, you’ll often find it as a serum or cream. This of course goes directly on the skin to reduce wrinkles and repair damage from UV rays and other atmospheric conditions that age us prematurely.

Some people with severe joint pain also receive HA injections directly into the painful areas.

Side Effects

Hyaluronic acid produces few if any side effects, although it may not be safe for people with certain heart valve problems. As we mentioned earlier, if you take medications or have health problems, always consult with your health care provider before starting something new.

Those using injectible HA sometimes experience pain, bruising, itching, or other problems at the injection site. Also anyone using products that sometimes cause bleeding should stop taking them a week or so before their hyaluronic acid injection. These include aspirin, vitamin E, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) meds among others. These substances contain anti-coagulating properties. Again we advise you to talk to your physician before starting an HA regimen.

Cautions

As with any supplement or medication, pregnant and nursing women should avoid them until they get the okay from their doctor or midwife.

Studies

HA has been used in studies and clinical trials for a number of years. As we all know more and more people use supplementation to increase their endurance and stimulate new tissue growth. Researchers now spend more time than ever before examining products bodybuilders and other athletes use, as well as those with potential for use in the future. In time more benefits of HA supplements will surely be discovered.

Good Health

Our bodies, minds, and spirits all work together in a synergistic relationship. It’s important to keep all systems in the best possible shape. Hyaluronic acid and other supplements help us maintain a healthy balance so that we function at the highest possible level.