To thrive and grow, the human body must continually renew itself. Each day our bodies use the raw materials we consume to nourish our tissues and organs and create millions of new cells. We can see this regeneration most clearly in our skin, hair, and fingernails. But it also occurs throughout the internal structures of our bodies.  

One of the molecules essential to this continual recycling of materials and regeneration of cells is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a long-chain sugar molecule that has an unusual affinity for water. This amazing molecule may hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. That’s very useful when you consider that the human body is about 70% water!

HA isn’t found in sufficient quantities in the foods we eat, so our bodies must produce it themselves. At any given moment, the average human body holds about 15 grams of HA[1]. Spread throughout our systems, HA performs a range of essential functions that nourish our cells and tissues.

Joints

Our moving parts, like those of a car, require constant lubrication and cushioning to operate smoothly. Lubrication helps absorb shock, and resist wear. In our joints, HA interacts with water to produce synovial fluid—a gel-like substance that fills the joint capsule, both lubricating and cushioning the joint. Without it, our bones would literally rub together.

When we are young, our bodies produce plenty of HA. As we age, however, production begins to decrease. A person over 50 might have only half the HA they did as a teen. Dietary supplementation with HA helps to maintain our bodies’ supply of HA to more youthful levels. It also helps support overall joint health and maximizing mobility.

Skin

The skin is our bodies’ largest organ. It acts as a barrier against sun, wind, pathogens (like bacteria and viruses), and environmental

toxins. To function optimally, our skin requires moisture and lots of it. When skin dries, it loses elasticity and can crack. This can impair its barrier function, allowing potentially harmful pathogens to enter our system.

Under-moisturized skin is also more prone to wrinkling and age spots, making us look older than we are. About half the HA in our bodies can be found in the skin. Here, HA’s water binding capacity maintains healthful moisture levels. This helps support the skin’s elasticity and protective function while lessening the effects of aging. Yet as we age, and Hyaluronic Acid levels drop, one area where we notice it most is in our complexions. Whether taken as a dietary supplement or applied topically as a cream, Hyaluronic Acid helps to support your skin’s own natural renewing processes. This helps maintain a healthier, younger looking appearance.

 

Eyes

As you read this, your eyes are resting in fluid called the vitreous humor. This fluid delivers vital nourishment to the cells of your eyes, while acting as a protective cushion around the eyeball. Hyaluronic acid’s unusual water-binding ability makes it beneficial to maintaining the quality (and quantity) of our vitreous fluid. Dietary supplementation with HA supports healthy eye function.

Hair & Scalp

Our skin has two distinct layers—the epidermis (the outer protective layer) and a deeper dermis, where thousands of tiny hair follicles reside. This deeper layer is composed of connective tissue that relies on sufficient hydration to remain healthy and supple. HA’s unusual affinity for water helps deliver vital hydration and nutrients to this tissue, helping to maintain healthy lustrous hair and a moisturized scalp.

Gums

Our gums are composed of a dense fibrous tissue that helps secure our teeth. Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of this kind of tissue, allowing it to remain strong yet supple, binding yet elastic. Dietary supplementation with HA or topical Hyaluronic Acid toothpaste helps support overall gum health throughout the life cycle by supporting the hydration and nourishment our gums need to maintain their health.

At Hyalogic® we are dedicated to providing the highest quality HA products available. Hyalogic® oral HA supplement products contain high-molecular-weight Hyaluronic Acid molecules like those our own bodies produce. But because our HA is derived from fermentation, not from animals or animal products, it is  considered vegan friendly. Check out our wide array of products and start experiencing the benefits of HA supplementation today!

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyaluronic_acid