What is Hyaluronic Acid ?
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HAFormulaOnline presented in simple easy to understand language |
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Hyaluronic acid is found in the connective tissues
and the synovial fluid of movable joints and the vitreous humors of the eye. A
connective tissue is a tissue of mesoblastic origin consisting of collagen
fibroblasts and fatty cells that connect and support other tissues and organs by
forming tendons and ligaments. Synovial fluid is a clear, viscid lubricating
fluid secreted by membranes in joint cavities, sheaths of tendons, and bursae.
HA is a cementing and protective substance that serves as a binding,
lubricating, and protective agent.
Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan that is found widely distributed
throughout the connective, epithelial, and neural tissues of an organism. It is
a mucopolysaccharide that has an identical chemical structure whether it is
found in a simple bacterium or in human beings. A glycosaminoglycan is composed
of amino-sugars chemically linked into repeating units. Glycosaminoglycan occurs
in all living organisms and is a major component of connective tissue. Its main
function is to aid in the body's water maintenance by binding water molecules to
tissue and providing essential moisture for body processes and molecular
transport. As the human body ages, the HA levels decrease leading to certain
joint disorders and the signs of aging such as wrinkles. For example, fifty year
olds are estimated to have less than half the amount of HA that they had in
youth.
In supplemental form HA is a white, odorless powder and is also known as
hyaluronan, sodium hyaluronate and HA. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was first discovered
in 1934. The name is derived from the Greek word for glass “hyalos” due to its
transparent, glass-like appearance, and uronic acid because it possesses a high
uronic acid content.
Hyaluronic Acid plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and
cellular function. It essentially serves as a moisturizer. It is produced in the
body naturally, however, as with all vitamins and nutrients in the body, the
synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid diminishes with time.
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When HA levels start declining, it will
lead to joint discomfort, wrinkles and a tendency to get sick
frequently. A constant supply of Hyaluronic Acid in the body has the
following effects:
• There is a cushioning effect between the joints enabling fluid and
painfree movement of limbs.
• There is more elasticity in the skin and it feels softer. It acts as
a "reservoir of water" within the skin.
• There is a reduction in bacterial infections. It has been found that
Hyaluronic Acid raises the white cell count in blood.
Hyaluronic acid has the natural ability to hold water in the skin and
provides essential moisture to bodily processes. HA helps control cell
migration and also activates the white blood cells. It stimulates the
immune system and helps reduce bacterial infections and has been found
to inhibit the growth of a variety of strains of bacteria. Most of the
research for hyaluronic acid has been done in the field of
orthopedics, eye surgery and cosmetic surgery. The most popular use of
Hyaluronic acid, today, is as supplements to combat signs of aging
such as wrinkles and as therapy for certain joint ailments. Hyaluronic
acid injections are increasingly being used to treat osteoarthritis of
the knees. |
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