"HA works by attracting large amounts of water molecules and holding them in the skin, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration and plumpness"

Nava Greenfield, MD, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist

Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation: A Powerful Longevity Ingredient for Skin, Joints, and Beyond

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been associated with youthful skin, flexible joints, and overall vitality, but recent research highlights its benefits when taken orally as a supplement. While it is naturally found in the skin, joints, eyes, and connective tissues, HA levels decline with age, leading to skin dehydration, joint discomfort, and slower tissue repair.

Emerging clinical research supports the benefits of ingestible HA supplementation for improving skin hydration, reducing wrinkles, supporting joint function, and even enhancing muscle strength. This article explores the science behind HA supplementation, how it contributes to longevity, and its role in aging well.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that plays a crucial role in hydration, tissue lubrication, and cellular function. It binds with water molecules to retain moisture, acting as a shock absorber for joints and a structural support for skin and connective tissues.

However, HA levels decline significantly after the age of 30, contributing to visible signs of aging and joint stiffness. Supplementing with HA can help restore optimal levels and support overall longevity.

Hyaluronic Acid & Longevity: How It Supports Healthy Aging

1. Skin Health & Anti-Aging Benefits

HA is a key component of skin hydration and elasticity. About 50% of the body's total HA is stored in the skin, where it binds water and maintains suppleness (Göllner et al., 2017).

Scientific Evidence on HA Supplementation for Skin:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that oral HA supplementation (120 mg/day for 12 weeks) significantly improved skin hydration, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced elasticity (Hsu et al., 2021).
  • Another study showed that ingestible HA helped improve skin moisture and reduced dryness in individuals with chronically dry skin (Kawada et al., 2014).

Longevity Takeaway: HA supplementation increases skin hydration, reduces wrinkle depth, and improves skin elasticity, making it a powerful anti-aging ingredient.

2. Joint Health & Mobility

HA is a primary component of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and protects cartilage. As HA levels decline, joint friction increases, leading to discomfort and stiffness. Research shows that oral HA supplementation can help support joint function and mobility, especially in aging populations.

Scientific Evidence on HA Supplementation for Joint Health:

  • A placebo-controlled trial found that adults with mild joint discomfort who took HA-supplemented yogurt (Mobileeâ„¢) for 90 days experienced improved knee muscle strength and overall joint function (Martínez-Puig et al., 2009).
  • Another randomized trial found that oral HA supplementation improved knee mobility, reduced stiffness, and enhanced overall muscle performance in individuals with joint discomfort (Martínez-Puig et al., 2012).

Longevity Takeaway: HA supplementation helps reduce joint stiffness, supports lubrication, and may enhance muscle strength, making it a great option for healthy aging and mobility.

3. Muscle Strength & Recovery

Surprisingly, emerging research suggests that oral HA may enhance muscle function, particularly in aging adults or those with mild joint discomfort.

Scientific Evidence on HA for Muscle Strength:

  • A 90-day study on HA supplementation found significant improvements in knee extensor strength and power output compared to placebo (Martínez-Puig et al., 2012).
  • HA also plays a role in reducing inflammation and supporting muscle repair, making it a potential recovery aid for athletes and active individuals.

Longevity Takeaway: HA may support muscle function and recovery, making it beneficial for both active individuals and older adults.

4. Hydration & Cellular Longevity

Hydration is a key factor in longevity, and HA’s ability to retain water at the cellular level can support overall hydration balance and cellular health.

Scientific Evidence on HA for Hydration:

  • HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, supporting deep tissue hydration and cellular repair.
  • Studies have shown that oral HA supplementation increases skin moisture content and reduces transepidermal water loss, supporting long-term hydration and skin barrier function (Hsu et al., 2021).

Longevity Takeaway: HA helps maintain hydration at the cellular level, supporting skin, joint, and overall body function.

Final Thoughts: Why HA Supplementation is Essential for Longevity

Hyaluronic Acid isn’t just a skincare ingredient—it’s a powerful longevity molecule that supports skin, joints, muscles, and hydration balance. As we age, HA levels decline, but supplementation may help counteract this process and promote long-term vitality and well-being.

Key Benefits of HA Supplementation for Longevity:

✔ Deep skin hydration & wrinkle reduction
✔ Enhanced joint lubrication & flexibility
✔ Improved muscle strength & recovery
✔ Supports cellular hydration & tissue repair
✔ Potential anti-inflammatory effects

💡 Incorporating HA into your daily wellness routine can help support healthy aging, keeping skin youthful, joints flexible, and the body functioning at its best.

How Hyaluronic Acid Impacts Aging:

Specific Hallmarks:

  • Loss of Proteostasis: HA reduces protein misfolding and aggregation by supporting cellular repair pathways, including the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which helps maintain proteostasis and delay cellular aging​.
  • Deregulated Nutrient Sensing: HA modulates inflammatory pathways tied to nutrient sensing (such as mTOR signaling), promoting cellular repair and longevity under nutrient-rich conditions​.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Dysfunction: As a key ECM molecule, HA maintains tissue structure and elasticity by supporting collagen synthesis and hydrating connective tissues, counteracting age-related ECM degradation​​.

Mechanism of Action:

  • Improved Skin Health: HA enhances hydration and elasticity, visibly reducing wrinkles and promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion​​.
  • Joint Lubrication: HA improves joint flexibility and reduces pain by replenishing synovial fluid, essential for shock absorption and smooth movement​.
  • Accelerated Wound Healing: HA stimulates fibroblast and keratinocyte activity, speeding up skin repair and minimizing scar formation​.
  • Reduced Inflammation: By interacting with receptors like CD44, HA regulates inflammatory pathways, alleviating chronic inflammation linked to various age-related diseases​.
  • Enhanced Vascular Health: HA contributes to vascular elasticity and reduces biomechanical stress, supporting overall cardiovascular function and longevity​.

Scientific studies

  • Oral Hyaluronic Acid Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, and Elasticity

    A clinical study evaluated the effects of oral HA supplementation on skin aging in 20 women aged 45-60. The participants took an HA-based supplement daily for 40 days, and their skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkle depth were measured before, during, and after supplementation. Results showed significant improvements in hydration, increased elasticity, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, demonstrating the potential of HA as an ingestible skin-rejuvenating compound. Notably, there were no reported side effects, reinforcing the safety of HA supplementation for cosmetic and longevity purposes. Published in the Journal of Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine (2017), titled "Ingestion of an Oral Hyaluronan Solution Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, Elasticity, and Skin Roughness" by Göllner et al.

  • Reference link

    Hyaluronic Acid Contributes to Cellular Hydration and Anti-Aging Mechanisms

    This review highlights HA’s role in intracellular and extracellular hydration, which declines with aging. It describes how HA supports cell membrane integrity, enhances fibroblast activity, and maintains the extracellular matrix, crucial for slowing age-related tissue degradation. Additionally, HA demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are essential in combating oxidative stress—a major contributor to cellular aging. These findings position HA as a potential longevity-supporting molecule, helping maintain youthful cellular functions across multiple organ systems. Published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science (2022), titled "A Review of the Cosmetic Use and Potentially Therapeutic Importance of Hyaluronic Acid" by Al-Halaseh et al.

  • Oral Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Joint Health and Muscle Strength in Adults with Mild Joint Discomfort

    In a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers assessed the effects of daily HA supplementation in yogurt form on joint function and muscular strength in 40 adults with mild joint discomfort. Participants consuming HA-enriched yogurt showed statistically significant improvements in knee extensor strength, total work performance, and muscle power compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that oral HA supplementation can enhance joint function and muscular strength, making it a valuable longevity-focused supplement for maintaining mobility and reducing age-related joint discomfort. Published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2009), titled "Efficacy of the Consumption of Yogurt Supplemented with a Natural Extract Containing Hyaluronic Acid (Mobilee™) in Adults with Mild Joint Discomfort" by Martínez-Puig et al.

  • Reference link

    12-Week Study Confirms Oral HA Reduces Wrinkles and Improves Skin Elasticity

    This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of 120 mg daily oral HA supplementation over 12 weeks in 40 men and women aged 35-64. Researchers measured skin hydration, wrinkle depth, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss. The HA group showed significant reductions in wrinkle depth, improved skin elasticity, and higher moisture retention compared to the placebo group. These results reinforce HA’s ability to combat visible signs of aging and support its use in nutricosmetic supplements. Published in Nutrients (2021), titled "Oral Hyaluronan Relieves Wrinkles and Improves Dry Skin: A 12-Week Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study" by Hsu et al.

  • Reference link

    Hyaluronic Acid and Its Biomedical Applications: A Review

    This review explores hyaluronic acid’s (HA) diverse biomedical applications, highlighting its crucial roles in wound repair, cell migration, and cell signaling. HA’s biocompatibility and ability to support tissue regeneration have made it a central focus in tissue engineering and cancer treatments. The study also details how HA is utilized in different biomedical formulations, showcasing its broad therapeutic potential. Given HA’s ability to interact with cellular processes, its continued research may lead to novel anti-aging and regenerative medicine applications. Published in Engineering in Life Sciences (2020), titled "Hyaluronic Acid and Its Biomedical Applications: A Review" by Matthew Dovedytis, Zhuo Liu, and S. Bartlett.

Recommended Dosage

120-150 mg

Estimated Amount Needed

6.25

cups of bone broth

A single dose of our product contains the equivalent of approximately 6.25 cups of bone broth for Hyaluronic Acid content.

Source and origin

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is naturally present in various animal parts, particularly in connective tissues and joints. Notably, bone broth is a rich source of HA. Additionally, organ meats such as liver, heart, and kidney contain significant amounts of HA.

People Also Ask

  • What is Hyaluronic Acid, and how is it produced in the body?

    Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, primarily found in connective tissues, skin, and synovial fluid. It is synthesized by enzymes called hyaluronan synthases, which assemble HA from glucose derivatives.

  • Can Hyaluronic Acid be taken daily, and is it safe?

    Yes, HA is safe for daily use in its recommended dosages. Clinical studies show no significant side effects for oral supplementation or topical application when used as directed.

  • Does Hyaluronic Acid work better when taken orally or applied topically?

    Oral HA provides systemic support, improving skin hydration and joint health from within, while topical HA hydrates are unable to penetrate past the outer layer of skin to provide deep hydration benefits.

  • Can Hyaluronic Acid help with other conditions besides aging?

    Yes, HA is used to manage osteoarthritis through joint lubrication and is being researched for wound healing, dry eye relief, and as a component in treatments for certain inflammatory conditions.

  • How does Hyaluronic Acid interact with collagen?

    HA works synergistically with collagen by supporting its structural integration and hydration, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Can Hyaluronic Acid be used alongside other anti-aging ingredients?

    Absolutely. HA pairs well with antioxidants like Vitamin C and retinoids to enhance skin repair and protect against environmental damage. It also complements peptides and ceramides for skin rejuvenation.

  • Is Hyaluronic Acid vegan-friendly?

    HA derived from microbial fermentation is vegan-friendly, unlike animal-derived sources such as rooster combs. Most modern formulations use fermentation-based HA.

  • How quickly can I expect results from Hyaluronic Acid supplementation?

    Results vary, but clinical studies suggest improvements in skin hydration and wrinkle reduction after 4–12 weeks of consistent oral supplementation or topical use. Joint health benefits may take slightly longer, depending on individual conditions.

References

  • Reference link

    Abdulhameed, B. S., & Ibraheem, L. M. (2014). Periodontal effect of 8% Hyaluronan as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, 13, 76-81. DOI:10.9790/0853-13837681

  • Al-Halaseh, L., Tarawneh, S. K., Al-Jawabri, N. A., Al-Qdah, W. K., Abu-Hajleh, M. N., Al-Samydai, A., & Ahmed, M. A. M. (2022). A review of the cosmetic use and potentially therapeutic importance of hyaluronic acid. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. DOI:10.7324/japs.2022.120703

  • Barker, K., Liao, D., & Nguyen, P. (2023). A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a krill oil, astaxanthin, and oral hyaluronic acid complex on joint health in people with mild osteoarthritis. Nutrients, 15(3), 451–468. DOI:10.3390/nu15030451

  • Bernetti, A., Agostini, F., & Mangone, M. (2023). Could hyaluronic acid be considered as a senomorphic agent for osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 5(2), 100244.

  • Carney, S., Harrison, A. A., & Collett, A. (2021). Long-term outcome measures of repeated non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (Durolane) injections in osteoarthritis: A 6-year cohort study with 623 consecutive patients. Open Access Rheumatology: Research and Reviews, 13, 173–181.

  • Chen, X., Xue, M., & Zhang, J. (2018). Hyaluronic acid: An efficient biomacromolecule for osteoarthritis treatment. Biomacromolecules, 19(3), 764-781.

  • Dovedytis, M., Liu, Z., & Bartlett, S. (2020). Hyaluronic acid and its biomedical applications: A review. Engineering in Life Sciences, 20(8), 407–418.

  • Göllner, L., Voss, W., & Lindequist, U. (2017). Ingestion of an oral hyaluronan solution improves skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and skin roughness. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(4), 1-9.

  • Gupta, R. C., Lall, R., Srivastava, A., & Sinha, A. (2019). Hyaluronic acid: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic trajectory. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6.

  • Hsu, M. Y., Su, S. H., & Lin, Y. C. (2021). Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles and improves dry skin: A 12-week double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients, 13(9), 2932.

  • Zhang, Z., Tian, X., Lu, J. Y., Boit, K., Ablaeva, J., Zakusilo, F. T., Emmrich, S., Firsanov, D., Rydkina, E., Biashad, S. A., Lu, Q., Tyshkovskiy, A., Gladyshev, V., Horvath, S., Seluanov, A., & Gorbunova, V. (2023). Increased hyaluronan by naked mole-rat HAS2 extends lifespan in mice. bioRxiv.

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