Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide found in the human body. Its main function is to reduce friction in the joints, as well as maintain a sufficient level of moisture in the dermis. Due to its moisturizing properties, hyaluronic acid is widely used in cosmetology. You can read more about vitamins with hyaluronic acid, creams and the benefits of these products in this article.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a polysaccharide found in virtually every cell in our body. Its main task is to reduce friction in our joints, as well as moisturizing the eyes. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains a large amount of water, thereby protecting tissues from mechanical damage. In the vitreous body of the eyethe filler is precisely an aqueous solution of this substance. It helps to moisturize the eye in a timely manner and prevents various external factors (foreign bodies) from damaging it. What other functions does this substance perform in our body?
- Hyaluronic acid is able, with the help of its dense gel structure, to fill intercellular areas and make molecules impenetrable to bacteria and infections.
- The connection also plays a big role in the fertilization of the egg. Its shell is completely composed of hyaluronic acid. If the coating is even slightly broken, then the egg will lose its ability to fertilize and die.
- Hyaluronic acid is involved in the process of cell division and reproduction. It is necessary for the formation of all new cellular elements. That is why the compound is prescribed for problems with joints or fractures - with the help of an additional intake of "hyaluron", tissues grow together faster.
- The water balance of the dermis is also directly dependent on hyaluronic acid. It reduces the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin and at the same time attracts and retains moisture from the air.
- Hyaluronic acid is an essential element of the body's defense. Thanks to its dense gel structure throughout the body, it creates a coating that is resistant to mechanical impact and pressure.
Discovery history
Hyaluronic acid was first discovered in the vitreous body of the cow's eye in 1934 by Dr. Karl Mayer, a biochemist at Columbia University. After that, he conducted a series of experiments that helped to find out what it was.the substance by which the eye maintains its shape. It was then that the scientist decided that the compound might have therapeutic applications. In the 1940s, large amounts of hyaluronic acid were found in cockscombs. Later, they were prescribed as an addition to the main treatment to speed up the healing of fractures, since they were cheap and available.
But soon scientists got another opportunity to obtain hyaluronic acid. Group A and C streptococci have the ability to produce acid, which can then be purified and used as a nutritional supplement. Over time, scientists have found that other strains of bacteria can be used to obtain the substance.
Why do people use hyaluronic acid?
In the human body, hyaluronic acid performs many functions, so its use is extremely wide. Scientists have found that as we age, the ability to produce this substance decreases, which leads to the development of certain pathological conditions. The following are diseases that may be associated with the problem of the production of "hyaluronic acid":
- Fibromyalgia is a condition where there is too much hyaluronic acid in the blood. As a result, people begin to feel unwell and ache in the muscles and bones. The disease does not cause damage to internal organs, but is quite unpleasant, so doctors often prescribe hyaluronic acid in tablets as a treatment, which helps to normalize the condition.
- Osteoarthritis. According to some studies, hyaluronic acid is called one of the main tools to combat inflammation.
- Dry eye syndrome is familiar to many people, especially office workers who spend many hours in front of the computer are prone to it. Vitamins with hyaluronic acid and collagen can significantly reduce dry eyes, even in severe cases.
- Skin - Hyaluronic acid prevents aging, keeps the skin smooth, hydrated and dense. That is why many creams contain this substance as an additional ingredient.
- Glaucoma. According to the medical journal Molecular Vision, taking hyaluronic acid may reduce the risk of developing primary glaucoma.
Diet to increase the production of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic Acid Facial Vitamins can be a great addition for you, but it's more important to adjust your diet in such a way that the body's production of the substance increases. Some products are known to contain more hyaluronic acid than others. What food do doctors recommend?
- Meat. It is beef, turkey, pork and poultry that contain the highest levels of hyaluronic acid. Bone and cartilage broth will also be rich in this compound.
- Potatoes. It is believed that the elderly inhabitants of the Japanese village, which recorded the maximum life expectancy, lived so long thanks to starchy root vegetables.
- Foods rich in vitamin C. Ascorbic acid inour body directly affects the production of hyaluronic acid. But the synthetic vitamin is often poorly absorbed, so doctors recommend eating more yellow and orange fruits, parsley and cilantro.
- Foods rich in magnesium. This mineral may also play a role in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Magnesium is found in large quantities in pears, peaches, tomatoes and melon.
Why do people use hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid cannot serve as the only cure for osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, but it is an excellent addition to complex therapy. What other problems is this substance used to treat?
- Chronic pain.
- Insomnia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Since vitamins with hyaluronic acid are freely available and pharmacists do not require a prescription from a doctor, anyone can try them to improve their condition.
Contraindications
Although hyaluronic acid is produced in the human body, in some cases it can be harmful rather than beneficial. Caution should be taken when taking drugs containing this compound for those people who have the diseases listed below:
- Allergic to poultry or eggs.
- Blood clotting disorders (eg hemophilia).
- You are taking medications that affect blood clotting (Warfarin or Aspirin).
- Near inflamedjoint infection or rash.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid hyaluronic acid supplements as there is currently no evidence of its effects on children's bodies.
Safe dosage
If you are taking hyaluronic acid supplements on your own, you should be aware of the safe doses that experts recommend taking. At the moment, it is not necessary to have any indications for taking dietary supplements with this substance - they can be taken for prevention. The standard dosage is 50 mg. It is best to take the supplement once or twice a day with meals. The combined use of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E can enhance the effect.
If you are using a substance in the complex treatment of any disease, then your doctor may recommend a higher dosage. For example, in osteoarthritis, the normal dose is 80 milligrams for at least 8 weeks. If you suffer from dry eyes, hyaluronic acid eye drops may be used for several months. In any case, before buying any products with hyaluronic acid, it is better to consult a doctor and get his dosage recommendations, which will be based on your complaints and body weight.
Side effects
Currently, there is virtually no data on the side effects that hyaluronic acid can cause. However, if you take the supplement not for takinginside, and for subcutaneous injections, then in this case the risks increase slightly. An injection of hyaluronic acid into the affected area can cause muscle pain as well as joint inflammation and swelling.
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetology
In addition to a variety of nutritional supplements, hyaluronic acid is widely used in cosmetology. This is due to its influence, because it can effectively moisturize the skin, thus preventing aging. Currently, hyaluronic acid, along with collagen, is found in many products that are aimed at moisturizing the skin. The substance serves as a kind of "transport", which helps to deliver the molecules of beneficial substances to the deeper layers of the skin, while not clogging the pores. Sometimes, for the purpose of deeper skin hydration, it is injected into the deep layers of the dermis:
- Mesotherapy.
- Contouring.
- Biorevitalization.
Such methods help to enhance the skin's own regeneration, smooth out old wrinkles and normalize the work of fibroblasts. As a result, the skin looks much fresher and younger. For home daily care, there are numerous moisturizers and serums that help maintain the effect. For example, a serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C not only moisturizes, but also whitens the skin.
Expert Tips
Reviews of hyaluronic acid vitamins suggest that before taking them or any other supplements,you need to research the product you want to purchase. Now there are quite a lot of low-quality dietary supplements on the market, which, at best, will not have any effect, and at worst, they can seriously harm you. Therefore, experienced buyers are advised to purchase only very high-quality products from well-known brands.
According to the scientific journal 3 Biotech, there is a possibility that supplements containing animal hyaluronic acid may contain toxins from sick animals that can cause various diseases. Before buying, pay special attention to how the acid is synthesized and whether it has been tested for the presence of pathogenic bacteria.
A few facts about hyaluronic acid
- To date, no large-scale studies have been conducted that would prove or disprove the benefits of hyaluronic acid.
- Hyaluronic acid from vitamins is less absorbed than the one that was obtained in a "natural" way - from food.
- It cannot be used as a primary treatment and cannot replace other medicines.
- When choosing vitamins with hyaluronic acid, reviews should not be the main criterion, but reading them will not be superfluous. Some companies produce forms of the substance that can cause indigestion and stomach pain.
The best hyaluronic acid preparations
Which hyaluronic acid preparations are considered the most effective?
- Vitamins"Doppelhertz" with hyaluronic acid, biotin and Q10. The composition of this dietary supplement includes several components at once that can significantly improve the condition of the skin and connective tissue. Customer reviews say that the dietary supplement has the desired effect: it helps to moisturize the skin, hair growth and improve overall well-being.
- Doctor's Best Hyaluronic Acid with Chondroitin is popular with athletes. These vitamins have a healing effect even on those who play hard sports and because of this get problems with the back and joints. The dietary supplement can also be used to prevent damage and torn ligaments.
- Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C by Solgar. Free of gluten, wheat and dairy products, which means it is completely safe for allergy sufferers.
- Hyaluronic cream from Librederm. The manufacturer positions its product as the best cream filler and promises results in the shortest possible time. The product perfectly moisturizes the skin and smoothes fine wrinkles.
- Cream with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C from Evalar (Laura).
Results
Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin, promotes faster recovery and healing of connective tissue, improves immunity and indirectly accelerates wound healing. Due to its beneficial properties, the substance has become widespread and is currently available in the form of nutritional supplements, as well as in the form of creams and injections.
