Maximum Viscosity


(High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid
vs. Low Molecular Weight)

A human joint lacking proper lubrication or with minimal joint fluid will invariable allow articulating (joint) bones to rub directly on top of each other causing long term damage to the cartilage (spongy surface at the ends of bones). 

In the body, hyaluronic acid always presents itself as a large high molecular weight molecule.  It is critical to its function to be a large molecule.  The molecule is made up of a repetitive sequence of two modified simple sugars, one called glucuronic acid and the other is N acetyl glucosamine.  These compounds are both negatively charged and when put together, they repel, causing the long molecule (large – high molecular weight) to stretch out naturally.  Molecules that are long and stretched out give a high viscosity (lubrication) effect and resist compression. 

Orally consumed high molecular weight hyaluronic (HMW) acid helps to stimulate the natural HMW joint fluid thus restoring viscosity and lubrication much like the motor oil in a car.  It has been shown that high molecular (HMW) hyaluronic acid is far more effective in restoring joint lubrication due to its ability to bind to more water.  The more water the more cushioning.  Low Molecular Weight (LMW) hyaluronic acid does not have the surface area for binding to water and thus proper lubrication is never gained.  Our hyaluronic acid has a molecular weight up to 5 times of the lowest molecular weight competition.   

Compare these glass slides.

LMW HA breaks the slide!

The slide at the top is coated with a low-molecular weight (LMW) HA of less than 500,000 Daltons.  When the ball bearing is dropped, the LMW HA cannot provide the viscosity and rebound to keep from breaking the glass underneath. 


HMW protects the glass, just like your joints.

The slide at the bottom is well protected with the high molecular weight HA.  Because of the long and highly viscous HA molecule, it resist the compression of the ball bearing forcing it back upwards and preventing the glass slide from breaking.  Imagine if the body only produced LMW HA.  All body parts that contain and rely upon HA for lubrication would not be able to function.