2021's 10 Best Hyaluoronic Acid
TOP SUPPLEMENTS

Hyaluronic acid – also known as hyaluronan – is a clear compound that’s naturally produced by the body and found mainly in the skin, joints, tendons, eye sockets and other connective tissues. It’s a glycosaminoglycan, a long chain of carbohydrate molecules that hold water. Hyaluronic acid molecules can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water! Therefore, its main role is to attract and retain moisture to cushion and lubricate tissues. (See Reference 1)

Unfortunately, as we age, natural production of hyaluronic acid rapidly declines – by up to 50% by the time we’re 50 years old. Levels are also negatively influenced by low hormone levels, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, poor diet and pollution.

Studies show that consuming extra hyaluronic acid boosts the body’s natural production. It can be obtained naturally from consuming bone broth and is also available as an oral supplement.(See Reference 2)

JUMP TO THE #1 HYALUORONIC ACID SUPPLEMENT

Health Benefits of Hyaluoronic Acid

Healthy Skin

About 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid is found in the skin. It’s often called the fountain-of-youth because it prevents water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated, supple, firm and plump. This is why you’ll commonly find it as an ingredient in skincare products.

As we age, the decline in hyaluronic acid means our skin can’t hold onto moisture and becomes dry, flaky, dull and wrinkled. This can be dangerous because dry skin is easily damaged and permeable to the outside environment.

Using hyaluronic acid orally or topically makes a huge difference to your appearance and confidence. Additionally, by hydrating the skin, it plays a key role in tissue repair and speeds up wound healing.

A 2017 study looked at adults presenting with crow’s feet wrinkles who were given 120mg of hyaluronic acid daily for three months. The results showed it noticeably diminished wrinkle depth and improved skin condition and suppleness.(See Reference 4)

Joint Health

Hyaluronic acid is hugely beneficial to people who love to train hard without aches and pains. It makes up a significant part of the synovial fluid found in joints. This fluid attracts water to create a lubricant that cushions joints to allow them to move smoothly and absorb shocks. Without it, our joints become stiff and painful and it speeds up wear and tear.(See Reference 3)

Hyaluronic acid supplements and injections are a popular treatment for debilitating joint pain and inflammation. Several clinical trials have found that hyaluronic acid safely reduces degenerative knee pain and inflammation. (See Reference 5)

Digestion

Hyaluronic acid is found abundantly in gut-healing foods like bone broth, which soothe and repair the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and support digestion. It’s no surprise that research suggests it can reduce acid reflux (See Reference 6) – a condition where stomach acid pushes upwards and causes heartburn and damage to the esophageal lining.

Two studies on people with reflux found that a hyaluronic acid supplement (See Reference 7) – also containing chondroitin sulfate – significantly improved symptoms and protected the mucosal lining when compared to a placebo. Interestingly, symptoms completely disappeared in half the subjects treated.

Bones

Hyaluronic acid may play a role in preserving bone mass. This is especially beneficial for postmenopausal women and older people who are at high risk for brittle bones and fractures. (See Reference 8)

Laboratory studies and studies on animal subjects have found that hyaluronic acid can increase the activity of osteoblasts (bone cells) and protects bone mass.

This is promising, but clinical trials on humans are required.

References

1. Dr. Axe: Hyaluronic Acid
2. Healthline: Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
3. Wounds Research: Hyaluronic Acid, Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration
4. NIH: Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period
5. NIH: Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a reviewn
6. NIH: Randomised clinical trial: mucosal protection combined with acid suppression in the treatment of non‐erosive reflux disease – efficacy of Esoxx, a hyaluronic acid–chondroitin sulphate based bioadhesive formulation
7. NIH: Fixed Combination of Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin-Sulphate Oral Formulation in a Randomized Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study for the Treatment of Symptoms in Patients With Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux
8. NIH: The Effects of Hyaluronan on Bone Resorption and Bone Mineral Density in a Rat Model of Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Osteopenia