Hyaluronic acid | Sodium hyaluronate

Improves bone, joint and muscle condition: Hyaluronic acid is one of the essential components of the extracellular matrix. It plays a special role in the proper functioning of joints, as it is the main component of joint fluid. It is responsible for the nutrition and elasticity of cartilage. Scientific results have proven that hyaluronic acid taken regularly can restore the balance between cartilage degradation and formation, but also facilitate the synthesis of cartilage matrix. In clinical tests, this ingredient is able to reduce pain associated with various conditions, improve joint mobility and mitigate inflammation. What is more, hyaluronic acid is important for the bones as it promotes osteogenesis (the process of bone formation) and stimulates bone mineralization, increasing bone strength. This compound is also important for proper muscle function. Scientists believe that it facilitates the movement of muscle fiber layers against each other. All in all, supplementing hyaluronic acid is beneficial for overall health and various systems controlling our movement.

Supports nerve regeneration: Hyaluronic acid is essential for the proper healing of damaged nerves. The results of studies with an animal model have shown that this compound organizes the extracellular matrix into a hydrated, open network, which promotes the migration of growing axons and makes it easier for them to reach their target cells. It is also important that hyaluronic acid regulates the intensity of inflammation, which affects the process of tissue reconstruction. Hyaluronic acid has been proven to reduce the area of scar tissue remaining after nerve damage and enhance signal transmission through regenerated nerves. In addition, it supports the process of myelination, i.e. the production of a sheath around the nerve, which strengthens, protects and nourishes the axon, but also increases the efficiency of nerve impulse flow.

Regulates inflammatory processes: As a major component of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid participates in tissue repair together with the immune system. Research shows that this compound regulates the recruitment of immune cells (including lymphocytes or macrophages) to the sites of lesions. It also influences the intensity and direction of angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vessels. This is particularly important for efficient wound healing because increased inflammation and angiogenesis occurring near the wound minimize the risk of infection (hyaluronic acid itself shows an antimicrobial effect) and promote the supply of nutrients necessary for tissue recovery. Hyaluronic acid acts as a kind of immunomodulator. Its smaller molecules have pro-inflammatory properties, while the larger ones mitigate inflammation with effects comparable to drugs. These benefits are often used, among other things, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but also in skin or mucous membrane-related ailments.

Improves the skin and mucous membrane condition: The beneficial influence on skin condition is the best known property of hyaluronic acid. It is due to the fact that this compound effectively binds water – one molecule of the acid can retain up to 250 water molecules. With age, due to ultraviolet radiation and air pollution (including cigarette smoke), its content in the skin decreases. As a result, the skin loses volume, becomes flabby, but also prone to wrinkles and damage. By replenishing the level of hyaluronic acid, the skin’s hydration level can return to normal. Along with that, its elasticity and youthful appearance can be restored. This compound is also important for the proper functioning of the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. This is because it soothes changes in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which can be irritated by retreating gastric juice, while speeding up the process of its regeneration, which was confirmed during clinical tests. It has also been shown to stimulate recovery processes in the intestinal epithelium. Studies with animal models have proven that hyaluronic acid increases the height of intestinal villi and the depth of crypts, while stimulating the proliferation of epithelial cells. It helps to rebuild the weakened intestinal barrier, which may be important in leaky gut syndrome.