Active ingredient hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a important component of various types of connective tissue in the body. Hyaluronic acid is a Glycosaminoglycan , making it one of the multiple sugars ( polysaccharides ). Hyaluronic acid is able to very large amounts of water in itself One gram of hyaluronic acid binds up to 6 liters of water forming a gel-like material !  

Hyaluronic acid for skin and connective tissue

In this gelatinous Form, hyaluronic acid ensures the structure and elasticity of the skin and connective tissue and aside from that for the stability of the vitreous body of the eye. The water in the cells is replaced by hyaluronic acid bound and this ensures the right pressure inside the cells. In this way, it promotes firm skin and stable connective tissue. Applied externally, hyaluronic acid increases the moisture of the skin and reduces wrinkles. In cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is used in anti- aging Products are therefore indispensable.   

How does hyaluronic acid work in the joints?

In its gel-like form, hyaluronic acid is a main component of the synovia (joint fluid) and acts as a lubricant for all joint movements in the body. It is liquid, but its high molecular structure makes it so viscous that it is not squeezed out of the joint like water. Due to chemical interactions and its external shape, it "sticks" particularly well to the cartilage of the joint and ensures smooth movement there. The special viscosity of the gel-like liquid changes with the mechanical forces acting on it and therefore has an enormous shock-absorbing function.  

If strong pressure forces act on a joint at the beginning of a movement, for example in the knee joint when jumping or standing, the molecules clump together to form balls and hang on the cartilage surface like in a ball bearing.  

However, when a rapid shearing movement is necessary, such as when running, the toughness of the hyaluronic acid is reduced due to its structural viscosity and friction is reduced. In addition to this lubricating function, hyaluronic acid also promotes the moisture and elasticity of the cartilage tissue and thus protects the joint cartilage from drying out.  

Current studies prove the unique effect of hyaluronic acid on osteoarthritis!

The functions of hyaluronic acid in the body are diverse, and this is particularly noticeable when the body's own production of hyaluronic acid begins to decline from the age of 25. At around 60, only around 10% of the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body can be detected compared to that of young people. This is noticeable not only in the joint problems that occur, but also in the formation of wrinkles in the skin. 

The elasticity and structure of the connective tissue changes, the skin loses moisture and wrinkles can form as a result. Joint problems in old age are also typical signs of a decline in the body's own production of hyaluronic acid. The wear and tear of the joints caused by the decline in the lubricating function of the synovial fluid leads to pain and can promote the development of arthrosis. Similar problems can occur if the body's own production of hyaluronic acid is no longer sufficient due to heavy strain on the joints in everyday work or competitive sports.  

Building up cartilage cells possible - nutritional supplement with hyaluronic acid

A dietary supplement with hyaluronic acid can help in these circumstances! Taking just 80 mg of hyaluronic acid a day showed a significant reduction in joint pain - without the use of painkillers! [1] Studies have even shown that the intake of hyaluronic acid activates the body's own hyaluronic acid production! [2] The remarkable results of these current studies on osteoarthritis patients suggest that - contrary to the opinion of many doctors - rebuilding cartilage tissue is possible by taking high-dose, high-quality hyaluronic acid. Several studies on isolated cells have already shown that hyaluronic acid can directly induce chondrogenesis (proliferation of cartilage cells) via specific receptors on the cartilage cells. [3-5] 

And the skin also benefits from taking hyaluronic acid; it has been proven that the moisture and elasticity of the skin can be significantly increased by taking hyaluronic acid orally. [6] 

Sources:

1. Nelson, FR, et al., The effects of an oral preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Oralvisc®) on obese knee osteoarthritis patients determined by pain, function, bradykinin, leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and heavy water analyses. Rheumatology International, 2015. 35 (1): p. 43-52.  
2. Bagga, H., et al., Long-term effects of intraarticular hyaluronan on synovial fluid in osteoarthritis of the knee. The Journal of Rheumatology, 2006. 33 (5): p. 946.  
3. Wu, S.-C., et al., Hyaluronan initiates chondrogenesis mainly via CD44 in human adipose-derived stem cells. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013. 114 (11): p. 1610-1618.  
4. Wu, S.-C., et al., Hyaluronan size alters chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells via the CD44/ERK/SOX-9 pathway. Acta Biomaterialia, 2018. 66 : p. 224-237.  
5. Akmal, M., et al., The effects of hyaluronic acid on articular chondrocytes. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 2005. 87-B (8): p. 1143-1149.  
6. Oe, M., et al., Dietary Hyaluronic Acid Migrates into the Skin of Rats. The Scientific World Journal, 2014. 2014 : p. 378024.