Overview
Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate, is a glycosaminoglycan naturally present in connective tissues, synovial fluid, skin, and cartilage. It plays a critical role in maintaining tissue hydration, viscoelasticity, and joint lubrication, and is involved in cell signaling, wound healing, and antioxidant activity [1][5]. Oral supplementation with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has shown promise in improving joint function and reducing pain in individuals with mild knee osteoarthritis, potentially by restoring synovial fluid properties and supporting cartilage integrity [4]. Additionally, emerging evidence supports its role in skin health, where daily intake (e.g., 30 mg) in combination with collagen and vitamin C significantly improves skin density, texture, firmness, and hydration, likely due to enhanced dermal matrix support [3][6].
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Enhanced oral bioavailability for joint and skin applications
Common supplemental and pharmaceutical salt form
Clinical Notes
- Low molecular weight forms are preferred for oral supplementation due to better absorption.
- Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects at recommended doses.
- Long-term safety data for high-dose oral supplementation are limited; monitor for gastrointestinal discomfort.
Research
Intra-articular hyaluronans reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis by restoring synovial fluid viscoelasticity.
Dietary supplements for joint disease, including hyaluronic acid, show efficacy in RCTs with minimal side effects.
Daily supplementation with 30 mg hyaluronic acid plus collagen and vitamin C improves skin density and texture over 16 weeks.
Oral low molecular weight hyaluronic acid combined with glucosamine and chondroitin improved knee function in mild OA over 8 weeks.
Sodium hyaluronate has moisturizing, regenerative, and antioxidant properties with applications in medicine and cosmetics.
Daily intake of a hyaluronic acid-containing collagen supplement reduced wrinkles, dryness, and increased skin firmness over 60–84 days.
