As a major component of synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been used as an effective way to relieve joint pain associated with arthritis. In fact, rather than focusing solely on alleviating pain after arthritis has developed, it’s beneficial to prevent joint damage before it occurs. In other words, taking steps to maintain synovial fluid—which provides lubrication and shock absorption for joints—can be a worthwhile investment that benefits us in the long run.
How Food-Grade Hyaluronic Acid is Absorbed by the Body
The general pathway of assimilation followed by food-grade HA within the body includes a few significant steps. Hyaluronic acid is degraded into smaller structures with low molecular weights, such as HA fragments, immediately after administration; this degradation occurs within the gastrointestinal tract. Following its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, these HA fragments enter the bloodstream, distributing them to different tissues and organs.
Once ingested, hyaluronic acid enters the bloodstream, where it may be delivered to joints, skin, and various other tissues. This increases the content of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid, enhancing joint lubrication while simultaneously exerting its anti-inflammatory joint benefits. It also provides hydration to the skin, further adding to its moisturizing and anti-aging benefits.
How Consuming Hyaluronic Acid Helps Prevent Joint Pain
Preventing Degenerative Joint Inflammation
Degenerative joint inflammation (such as osteoarthritis) is caused by the wear and degradation of joint cartilage. Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in lubricating and cushioning joints. By supplementing HA, the viscosity of joint fluid is increased, which improves lubrication and reduces friction between joint surfaces. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammatory responses, relieve pain, slow disease progression, and support improved mobility for those with degenerative joint inflammation.
Alleviating Joint Discomfort for Athletes
For athletes, especially those engaging in high-intensity training, joints are at greater risk of wear due to repetitive load and strain, which may lead to cartilage wear and joint discomfort over time. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid enhances the lubrication and protective functions of synovial fluid, helping to reduce friction and damage during physical activity. This also alleviates joint pain after exercise. Additionally, hyaluronic acid promotes cartilage repair, aiding faster recovery and providing athletes with beneficial joint protection and support.
Reducing the Impact of Osteoporosis
Older adults are susceptible to osteoporosis due to a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and leading to gradual cartilage degradation. Hyaluronic acid can improve joint lubrication and elasticity, reducing the risk of joint wear in elderly individuals. By enhancing the health of cartilage and surrounding tissues, hyaluronic acid can help alleviate joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve joint mobility, which positively impacts the quality of life and activity levels in older adults.
Conclusion
In addition to injections, consuming hyaluronic acid can also benefit joint health. Oral hyaluronic acid can be absorbed by the body and reach joint tissues, where it provides targeted support for various joint health needs, helping individuals with degenerative joint inflammation, active individuals, and the elderly protect and support their joints effectively.
Stanford Chemical Company (SCC) is the leading wholesale supplier of pure organic hyaluronic acid in the United States. Our products include high, medium and low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate powders. Of course, we also support custom molecular weights. If you are interested, welcome to get a quote.
Main Product | Item No. | Specification |
Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid | HAF-Micro-SC | M.W: <5 K Da Ultra Low Molecular Weight |
HAF-Oligo-SC | M.W: 5-10 K Da Low Molecular Weight | |
HAF-N-SC | M.W: 200-600 K Da | |
HAF-L-SC | M.W: 100-1,000 K Da(800 KDa) | |
HAF-M-SC | M.W: 800-1,600 K Da Middle Molecular Weight | |
HAF-H-SC | M.W: >1,800 K Da High Molecular Weight | |
HAF-C-SC | Customized Molecular weight |