Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis treatment has been used for some time. It has commonly been administered by intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis in the knee. However, examination of data from 89 trials including over 12,000 patients lead to the conclusion by a researcher from Switzerland that "The administration of these preparations should be discouraged."

"Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid offer a small, clinically irrelevant decrease in osteoarthritis knee pain at the risk for serious adverse events, suggest the results of a review and meta-analysis."

Now there is a new way to take hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis that effectively helps to reduce pain and naturally cushion joints.

What is hyaluronic acid?
Note that hyaluronic acid and hyaluronan are used interchangeably. According to the webmd.com website:

"Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints ...

People take hyaluronic acid for various joint disorders, including osteoarthritis. It can be taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint by a healthcare professional.

There is also a lot of interest in using hyaluronic acid to prevent the effects of aging. In fact, hyaluronic acid has been promoted as a "fountain of youth." However, there is no evidence to support the claim that taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin can prevent changes associated with aging."

But first, what is the role of hyaluronic acid work in osteoarthritis treatment? What is the problem?

Collagen is the main structural protein found in your body's connective tissue. There are several types of collagen with Type II collagen being the main structural building block of joint cartilage.

It's critical to have enough collagen for healthy cartilage... joints... ligaments... and skin. Without enough collagen in your body, even simple tasks can be painful. Unfortunately, there's one big problem. As you age, your body's natural supply of collagen starts to decrease.

Wikipedia also relates it to aging in a different way:

"In cosmetics, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is used as humectant, antioxidant, stimulating agent for collagen synthesis and cell proliferation and cytotaxis, and believed to be a key factor in fighting aging."

How does hyaluronic acid work for osteoarthritis?
Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In addition, it might affect the way the body responds to injury. According to research published in the popular magazine Women's World (December 16, 2003):

"... taking hyaluronic acid daily helps rebuild the 'pillow' of fluid that cushions joints for a full 97% of people who try it. And it may even stimulate the repair of joint cartilage, the natural padding that covers the ends of bones."

Researcher Dr. William Judy demonstrated a formulation in which hyaluronic acid was absorbed at a high rate when taken orally.

In April 2004, a group of scientists released clinical research results about oral delivery of radiolabeled Hyaluronan (HA) and its ability to be taken up by joints. "This is the first time hyaluronic acid has been reported to be absorbed orally, which paves the way for HA dietary supplements to be introduced and deliver on anti-aging and joint health promises," said Dr. Luke Bucci, Ph.D., Vice President of Research for Weider Nutrition International.

Until now, there was no data on pharmacokinetics after oral intake and the therapeutic use of hyaluronic acid was limited to injections or topical applications. The results of this study, which examined the absorption, excretion and distribution of radiolabeled hyaluronic acid after a single oral administration demonstrated that HA is absorbed and distributed to organs and joints after a single oral administration.

"In addition to its lubricating and cushioning properties, demonstration of some in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and a possible disease-modifying effect for hyaluronic acid in animals has prompted its investigation as a treatment in osteoarthritis and, to a much lesser extent, in rheumatoid arthritis." (Drugs. 1994 Mar; 47(3):536-66. Hyaluronic acid. A review of its pharmacology and use as a surgical aid in ophthalmology, and its therapeutic potential in joint disease and wound healing. Goa KL, Benfield P.)