Hyaluronic acid the molecule of beauty

Collagen and hyaluronic acid are substances that are important for the skin, joints and other connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid is needed to bind collagen with elastin in the connective tissue. Collagen, together with elastin, are the fibrous proteins that give the skin its elasticity. Your body breaks down and recycles collagen and hyaluronic acid on a continuous basis every day. Excessive sun exposure, injuries and nutritional deficiencies are examples of what can lead to reduced availability of collagen and hyaluronic acid and result in the breakdown of connective tissue. A breakdown of the connective tissue results in the skin becoming less elastic and having more visible wrinkles, a reduction in articular cartilage, brittle hair and other common signs associated with aging. Some supplements and certain foods can reduce the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid, while others can help stimulate their production.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan; a long unbranched polysaccharide. A polysaccharide in turn is a type of carbohydrate. In other words, hyaluronic acid is a very long link of carbohydrate molecules bound together. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body, and in the human body hyaluronic acid is found in the skin and in other tissues where it helps maintain collagen , increase moisture and provide elasticity and flexibility.

Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body and occurs in all tissues and fluids that serve vital functions in the body,  is more concentrated in certain parts of the body, but has the same role everywhere. As much as 50% of the body's hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, where it contributes to hydration, metabolic processes and skin repair. Hyaluronic acid has a dynamic turnover rate that lasts less than a day in the skin, which means that it is important that the body has access to hyaluronic acid every day, in order for the body to function optimally.

How does hyaluronic acid work in the body?

In the body, hyaluronic acid plays an important role in maintaining healthy connective tissue, regulates skin elasticity, is involved in cell migration, wound healing and inflammation. Its other functions include lubrication of joints, blood vessel formation and fibroblast migration – a connective tissue cell that produces procollagen which outside the cell turns into collagen .

Natural aging is a major factor in the formation and reduction of less hyaluronic acid in the body, but UV rays and smoking also contribute to a reduction in the body's hyaluronic acid. This is one of the reasons why sun-damaged skin becomes wrinkled and flabby.

The biggest advantage of hyaluronic acid is that it has a very high capacity to bind water, whether it is on the skin, in the eyes or in the tissues of the body. At the same time that hyaluronic acid has a large capacity to bind a large volume of water, up to 1000 times its own weight in water, it also has a high viscosity, thus hyaluronic acid contributes to fluid movement and pressure absorption. Hyaluronic acid is found in many different tissues, and especially in the skin, where it provides moisture and structure. The skin accounts for approximately half of all hyaluronic acid in the body.

Other body parts where hyaluronic acid is concentrated: tendons and joints, eye membranes, umbilical cord, synovial fluid, skeletal tissues, heart valves, lungs, aorta and prostate.

Where does hyaluronic acid come from?

Hyaluronic acid can have a synthetic or a natural origin. But regardless of the source, its molecular structure is always the same – a sugar with hygroscopic properties (attracts and retains water). Hyaluronic acid can be formed in different ways. Biologically through the synthesis of fibroblasts in the body, naturally from fermentation (fermentation) of various types of plants, from animals, and synthetically. At e.g. fermentation of plants, the plant is fermented with specific bacteria, purified and then precipitated. This process extracts the hyaluronic acid that is naturally present in the plant, producing a naturally derived hyaluronic acid.

The body produces hyaluronic acid itself, but the body's own production of hyaluronic acid gradually declines with age. Therefore, it can be good to supply the body with extra hyaluronic acid via a dietary supplement as you get older, in order to maintain a functional and healthy body.

Is hyaluronic acid in fillers and creams?

Hyaluronic acid, just like collagen , is used in fillers (injections with syringes) to make the skin look younger, as well as in various creams that can be applied to the skin! Hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the body's joints to provide pain relief and improve joint mobility.

Is hyaluronic acid found in regular food?

No. As hyaluronic acid mainly occurs in parts of the animal that are not usually part of a normal traditional diet, a food supplement with hyaluronic acid is the best and easiest way to get hyaluronic acid.

It is possible to slow-cook animal bones, and then drink the broth - which contains both collagen and hyaluronic acid, and other useful substances found in the broth, if you want to get hyaluronic acid through food.

How does the body get access to hyaluronic acid if it is not found in ordinary traditional food?

The body produces hyaluronic acid itself, but the body's own production of hyaluronic acid gradually declines with age. Therefore, it can be good to supply the body with extra hyaluronic acid via a dietary supplement as you get older, in order to maintain a functional and healthy body.

What factors cause the amount of hyaluronic acid to be reduced in the body?

Natural aging is a major factor in the formation and reduction of less hyaluronic acid in the body, but UV rays and smoking also contribute to a reduction in the body's hyaluronic acid. This is one of the reasons why sun-damaged skin becomes wrinkled and flabby.

Why is it good to eat a dietary supplement with hyaluronic acid?

The total amount of hyaluronic acid that the body produces decreases with age. Adding hyaluronic acid via a dietary supplement can restore the reduced amount in the body's tissues.

How long should I take hyaluronic acid? Should I stop eating hyaluronic acid after a certain time, and have a shorter break?

We recommend taking hyaluronic acid every day, without a break, for optimal results.

Where does hyaluronic acid come from?

Hyaluronic acid can be produced chemically, fermented from a natural source, but also come from animals such as e.g. rooster (rooster's comb) and chicken.