Hyaluronic acid -also known as hyaluronan or HA- is a sugar that your body naturally produces.
The main role of hyaluronic acid is moisturizing. As it has an extraordinary ability to retain water, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin, eyes, joints and other connective lubricated.
As we age, our body loses water, and little by little we become dehydrated. Taking skin as an example, you can notice the aging process as wrinkles appear or dryness of the skin.
Given the multiple uses of hyaluronic acid, it is one of the best-selling food supplements. But also, it could be in the form of topical creams and serums, eye drops, vaginal gels, or even injections.
This post provides 7 scientifically backed benefits of taking hyaluronic acid. Are you ready to discover them?
1. Moistures skin
It is well known the benefit of hyaluronic acid on skin hydration. That’s why many people take hyaluronic acid supplements, as well as topic creams or serums.
Aging is not the single factor contributing to dry skin. Being exposed to UV radiation from the sun, pollution and tobacco smoke can contribute to water loss from the skin.
One 2014 study found that both women taking a low and high dose of hyaluronic acid -120 and 240 mg- per day showed an increase in skin moisture. The reason is that ingesting hyaluronic acid gives your body an extra input to incorporate into the skin.
2. Anti-aging
Almost half of your body's total HA is in the skin. Any change in this ratio leads to formation of expression lines and wrinkles.
As we age, our skin weakens and loses water as hyaluronic acid formation is dismissed and cells do not retain water properly. Knowing the causes of aging can help to slow down age-related skin changes. That is why Kobho Labs -as experts in aging- targets signs and causes of aging.
Hyaluronic acid supplements not only increase skin moisture. They can also help smooth skin texture by increasing elasticity and firmness and lowering roughness of skin.
3. Relieve joint pain
Hyaluronic acid is not only present in the skin, but also part of joints. Hyaluronan maintains the bone-to-bone space lubricated to prevent the bones from grinding against each other.
Taking hyaluronic acid supplements are very useful for people with osteoarthritis -degenerative joint disease-, who suffer from strong pain and inflammation. According to a 2017 review, combining hyaluronic acid supplements with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or corticosteroids drugs enhances the effect of these medications in the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms.
In some cases, hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the joints to relieve pain.
In relation to bone health, animal studies have shown positive results from hyaluronic acid supplementation. Some of the benefits found are an aid in slowing the rate of bone loss in rats with osteopenia -the phase preceding osteoporosis-, and an increase in the activity of osteoblasts -bone-forming cells-. However, more high-quality human studies are needed.
4. Helps wound healing
A benefit you may not be aware of is that hyaluronic acid can speed up wound healing.
One 2016 review found that hyaluronic acid applied to the skin makes the size of wounds by affecting the regulation of inflammation.
It also has antibacterial effects, so it can help reduce the risk of infection. That's why mouthwashes for people with bleeding gums or after surgery contain hyaluronic acid.
5. Soothes dry eyes
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the eyes to keep them lubricated.
People are spending more and more time in front of digital screens such as mobile phones, tablets, TVs and computers. And this is reflected in the increase in cases of dry eyes. Air conditioning, heating, and even the aging process -especially menopause- are other causes of an imbalance in your tear flow system.
Since hyaluronic acid exceptionally retains water, eye drops containing almost 0.2% HA provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. One 2021 study showed that hyaluronic acid reduces symptoms of dry eyes and improves eye health.
Many studies are currently underway to analyze the impact of hyaluronic acid supplements on eye health.
6. Reduces acid reflux symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in the world. Its symptoms are acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid reflux consists of a regurgitation of acidic stomach contents up into the throat causing pain and damage to the lining of the esophagus.
Two studies from 2017 found that hyaluronic acid supplements taken with acid suppression drugs help to decrease acid reflux symptoms 60% more than taking medication alone in patients with non-erosive reflux disease.
Research in this area is still relatively new. Although the results are promising, more quality studies are needed.
7. Could prevent bladder pain
Have you ever heard of interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome? Both terms refer to the disease characterized by severe pelvic pain, along with sudden strong urges to pee. It's much more common in women than men, usually over 30 years.
Although the causes of interstitial cystitis are still unknown, hyaluronic acid has been positioned as a possible treatment of painful bladder syndrome when inserted directly into the bladder through a catheter. Hyaluronic acid may help alleviate the pain by repairing damage to bladder tissue.
However, it has not yet been determined whether oral hyaluronic acid supplements can have a beneficial effect on painful bladder syndrome.
Recent studies also found more surprising benefits of hyaluronic acid as it reduces dermatitis, combats gum disease, and deals with vaginal dryness.
Now you know the most surprising benefits of hyaluronic acid, do you dare to try Kobho’s HA supplement?
