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Hyaluronic acid also called as sodium hyaluronate or
hyaluronan or HA is a special type of protein found in all living organisms. In
human body it is found in the form of synovial fluid in articular joints which
helps in lubrication, and vitreous humor in the eye. Our body produces less
Hyaluronic acid as we get older. Due to this the joints become stiff and the
movement of these joints becomes painful. And also the skin becomes dry and
wrinkly.
Hyaluronic Acid and Your Health
HA is a very important compound in the body whose main job is to retain water in
connective tissue, skin, and organs. HA is created and degraded more quickly
than any other compounds in our body. But our body produces less Hyaluronic acid
as we get older. Due to this doctors are using an injectable form of HA during
eye surgery and into painful joints. Hyaluronic acid Replacement also referred
to as viscosupplementation is a HA injection which can be directly injected into
the affected joints. But it is a very expensive, painful and acts only in the
injected areas.
HA is a double molecule that is glucosamine combined with glucuronic acid.
Therefore glucosamine is only one-half of the HA molecule, which is why
glucosamine yields results much slower and much less dramatic than HA.
Chondroitin raises the production of HA in the body. Those taking the oral HA
supplements should know that these are derived from the chicken cartilage. So
before taking any HA supplements consult your doctor if you are allergic to
chicken.
Oral HA supplements maintain healthy tissues in the eyes, liver, joints, skin,
and leg veins. Foods that can synthesis the HA includes the sweet potatoes and
the vegetable.
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Why is HA
important to the body ?
Maintaining the level of HA in human body is very important because
the deficiency of it may cause several structural integrity problems
for the body. It is needed in the lubrication of joints, integrity of
tissues, fighting against bacteria, maintaining elasticity of the
skin, for vision etc. It fills the space between collagen and other
essential framework of the tissues. So it is very important to
maintain the level of the HA in our body.
Where can Hyaluronic Acid (HA) be found ?
HA is present in all connective tissue, joints, body cavities, joint
spaces, and tissue surfaces. Most of it is present in the form of
synovial fluid in all joints and the skin. And also high levels of HA
is found in eyes, cartilage, heart, intervertebral discs of the spine
and in the fluids of the inner and middle ear.
What Causes the Breakdown of HA ?
The loss of collagen in joints happens because of the enzyme called
hyaluronidase which mainly attacks the HA. Ultraviolet radiation or
too much exposer to sunlight and free radicals of all types are the
favorable environments for the growth of these enzymes.
Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue
Hydration, Lubrication and Cellular Function
Uses of hyaluronic acid have been extended to a number of areas such
as in the treatment of joint pain, fertility clinics, and tissue
augmentation. It is very useful in tissue hydration, lubrication and
cellular function because it is able to hold more water than any other
natural substance. Main hydrating properties of this includes
increased smoothness, softening and decreased wrinkles.
What is the Role of Hyaluronic Acid ?
The role of HA in our body includes the following
Component of Cartilage: The key
component of cartilage is the Hyaluronic acid. Cartilage absorbs
shocks and provides strength and the flexibility. Thus the HA keeps
this cartilage healthy.
Synovial Joint Fluid: HA is useful
in the lubrication of joints, absorbs shock and attracts water and
liquids supplying nutrients to cartilage. This is very important
property of HA because cartilage is not supplied with blood vessels
and relies on the joint fluid to supply these nutrients and to cleanse
the joint of impurities.
Structural Stability: HA acts as a
natural shock absorber for the body keeping it structurally stable. |
