Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural acid. It plays the role of cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. This acid is a glycosaminoglycan that is found naturally throughout the body such as in the eyes and joints. Glycosaminoglycans are long unbranched carbohydrates or sugars called polysaccharides.

Hyaluronic is also called hyaluronan or hyaluronate. It is present in many living tissues and fluids, however, it is present abundantly in articular cartilage and synovial fluid (SF).

It is a non-sulfated, naturally found non-protein glycosaminoglycan (GAG). A glycosaminoglycan (GAG) for the first time is isolated in 1934 by Karl Meyer and John Palmer from the vitreous humor of the bovine eye and named it hyaluronic acid. This name was derived from hyaloid (which means vitreous) and uronic acid.

Structure of Hyaluronic Acid

HA is a linear anionic nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan made of two units: B-1, 4-d-glucuronic acid and B-1, 3-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine. Its chemical formula is (C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁) n.

Benefits

• It is found effective when injected into the eye during cataract surgery by an eye surgeon. It is also used to treat dry eyes as it can retain moisture.
• The FDA-approved hyaluronic acid gel is found good for treating mouth sores.
• It helps retain skin moisture and when applied to the skin, it can reduce wrinkles, dermatitis and redness. It is also injected by dermatologists to make skin look firm and youthful.
• It can speed up wound healing, naturally present in the skin. However, its concentration increases during skin damage. It stimulates the production of more blood vessels in the damaged area.
• It prevents gum diseases and mouth ulcers and is also found effective in postoperative care after a dental procedure.
• It keeps the bones well lubricated. It is found in the joints or space between the bones where it acts as a lubricant to allow the smooth movement of joints. It can be injected into the joints for pain relief if required.
• It also helps soothe symptoms of acid reflux by improving the damaged lining of the esophagus and improving the healing process.
• It is found in some studies that it could also prevent bladder pain.

3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid

i) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: This type is broken down into small elements that can easily penetrate the skin. It may be less moisturizing than other of its types so it is good for people who have oily skin or combination skin and want to avoid over-moisturizing.

ii) Sodium hyaluronate: This type of hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the skin and is more effective. It is good for normal skin. However, its effect may not be long-lasting. It is also one of the ingredients in serums.

iii) Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: It offers the same benefits as sodium hyaluronate but its effects are long-lasting. So, it is good for people with dry skin or who live in dry regions or for those who need a moisturizer for the dry winter months.

Hyaluronic acid is available in different forms:

• Oral: Hyaluronic acid tablets
• Topical: Creams, lotions, foams, lotions
• Injections: Hyaluronic acid in injection

Side Effects

Generally, it has no side effects as it is produced naturally in the body. So, there are very less chances of allergic reactions to using hyaluronic acid. However, when injected, it may cause the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Bruising
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tingling
• Itching

Who should avoid hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid may not suitable for everyone. People with the following conditions should about it.

People with allergies: Some types of hyaluronic acid are produced from a rooster's comb, so the people who are allergic to chicken feathers, eggs, etc., should use it with caution.

People who have had cancer: People who have a history of cancer should avoid oral hyaluronic acid as it has been found in a study that this acid can promote cell growth and may increase the chances of cancer recurrence.

Kids, pregnant and breastfeeding women: The safety of its use has not been established in children and during pregnancy, so these people may avoid using it.

People with scleroderma: Scleroderma refers to the hardening of the skin and connective tissue. When hyaluronic acid is applied to the skin it may worsen the skin ulcers in people who have scleroderma.