Hyaluronic Acid Educational Handout
What is it?
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occuring polymer found in every tissue of the body. It is particularly concentrated in the skin (almost 50% of all HA in the body is found in the skin) and synovial fluid. It is composed of alternating units of n-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-glucuronate. In nature, HA is a large molecular weight compound, ranging in size from 500,000-6,000,000 daltons. This is too large to be absorbed. Pure Encapsulations HA has undergone a sophisticated, patent-pending ezymatic process that alters the molecular weight, though not chemical composition. The final result is an easily absorbed HA polymer with a molecular weight of 5,000 daltons. This polymer's functions include attracting and retaining water in the extracellular matrix of tissues, in layers of skin, and in synovial fluid.*
Uses for Hyaluronic Acid:
- Skin Health: For skin cells, the ability of HA to attract and retain water is essential for proper cell-to-cell communication, hydration, nutrient delivery, and waste and toxin elimination. HA also appears to support the skin by promoting healthy turnover and renewal of keratinocytes, moderating the appearance of fine lines and age spots.*
- Joint Health: For joints, HA is especially supportive of healthy lubrication and shock absorption. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate that HA modulates prostaglandin production, providing additional support for joint function.*
- Research: Subjective evaluations conducted by scientists at a Japanese university involved 96 individuals. The reports suggest an enhancement of skin and joint health using low molecular weight HA. A number of anecdotal and preliminary results also indicate a positive effect on skin and joint health.*
How much is usually taken?
Pure Encapsulations recommends taking 6 capsules per day (providing 37.8 mg HA), in divided doses, with or between meals.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
There have been no reports of side effects with oral HA supplementation at this time.
Potential drug interactions:
There are no known drug interations with oral HA supplementation at this time.
References:
1.) Sakai S, Yasuda R, Sayo T, Ishikawa O, Inoue S. Hyaluronan exists in the normal stratum corneum. J Invest Dermatol 2000 Jun;114(6):1184-7.
2.) Meyer LJ, Stern R. Age-dependent changes of hyaluronan in human skin. J Invest Dermatol 1994 Mar;102(3):385-9.
3.) Ghersetich I, Lotti T, Campanile G, Grappone C, Dini G. Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous intrinsic aging. Int J Dermatol 1994 Feb;33(2):119-22.
4.) Manna F, Dentini M, Desideri P, De Pita O, Mortilla E, Maras B. Comparative chemical evaluation of two commercially available derivatives of hyaluronic acid (hylaform from rooster combs and restylane from streptococcus) used for soft tissue augmentation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1999 Nov;13(3):183-92.
5.) Altman RD. Status of hyaluronan supplementation therapy in osteoarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2003 Feb;5(1):7-14.
6.) Omori, Seiji. Panel Study on Injuv (low molecular weight hyaluronic acid). Otsuma Universtiy, Japan, 2000.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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