Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a very long chain of disaccharides (sugars) present in all connective tissues that is responsible for retaining moisture. As we age, levels of hyaluronic acid fallâ??some say by as much as 50 percent.
One of the most researched benefits of hyaluronic acid is its ability to alleviate aching joints. Its effectiveness in this area isnâ??t surprising since hyaluronic acid is especially concentrated in the knees, hips, and other moving joints. It is a major component of both cartilage and the synovial fluid that bathes these joints, binding to water to create a thick, gelatinous substance that lubricates and protects the cartilage.
In addition to playing a vital role in joint health, another one of the benefits of hyaluronic acid is its effectiveness at maintaining healthy, youthful skin. The reason is because hyaluronic acid is an essential component of the skin. Thanks to its ability to promote collagen production and retain hundreds of times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid keeps the skin plumped up and hydrated.
