Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as Hyaluronan and Glycosaminoglycan, is found naturally in various parts of the body. Since hyaluronic acid is unstable as an acid, it is refined as sodium hyaluronate. Hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, extracellular matrix, blood vessels, cartilage, vitreous humor of the eye, synovial joint fluid and the umbilical cord. Hyaluronic acid is a highly viscous solution, and when used for supplements, it is extracted from rooster combs, leading to the purest form of hyaluronic acid available.
Hyaluronic acid has many important functions. One of the most significant functions of hyaluronic acid is water retention. HA acts as a moisturizer for the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. HA ensures that the matrix has the essential fluid necessary for proper hydration of the skin. HA is also necessary for the health of the synovial fluid, which helps in keeping together the joints and bones and providing lubrication for the joints while acting as a cushion. HA also helps to transport nutrients to cartilage cells and helps to remove wastes and toxins from these cells as well.
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our tissues of the body, but as we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases, leading to joint problems and of course the physical signs of aging such as wrinkles. Thus, hyaluronic acid is used in skin care and anti-aging treatments to improve skin’s appearance due to lines, scars, and dry skin. Consequently, HA is used in a variety of cosmetic products. HA, used in injection form is used in treating osteoarthritis because of its function in providing lubrication to joints. Other applications of HA include the healing of wounds, and it is also used in ophthalmology. HA is used to cover the ophthalmic surgical devices and is also used in eye drops.
References: (1) Abatangelo G. & Weigel P. New Frontiers in Medical Sciences: Redefining Hyaluronan, 2007. Electronic source: http://www.ctds.info/hyaluronic_acid.html (2) “E-hyaluronicacid.com,” Electronic source, 2005. http://www.e-hyaluronicacid.com/ (3) “Hyaluronic Acid Cushions Joints,” Electronic source, 2007, July. http://www.rejuvenation-science.com/hyaluronic-acid.html (4) “Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) Background,” Electronic source, 2007, July. http://www.genzymebiosurgery.com/prod/gabi/HABackground.asp
