In a previous email, we discussed where you find hyaluronic acid (HA) within the tissues. Available here. As discussed, it is in every tissue in the body. This article takes a deeper dive into how it affects gut tissues.
◆︎ Location within the gut:
Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the horse’s digestive system. While it is located in every tissue in the body, important locations within the gut are:
➡ Mucosal barrier: HA is an important component of the mucosal barrier, which is a gel-like layer on the surface of the intestinal lining. It provides cushioning and slipperiness, so that food slides through easily. It also protects the intestinal lining from digestive enzymes, which could break down the lining.
➡ Lamina propria: this is the layer immediately underneath the intestinal lining that contains the lymphoid tissue, fibroblasts, and capillaries. This is a deeper layer that
» Contains immune cells
» Crucial for nutrient absorption
» Prevents the entry of pathogens
◆︎ Functions within the gut:
☛ Barrier integrity and hydration: The mucosal barrier has a high content of HA. This gives it the slipperiness and a hydro-gel cushion.
☛ Immune system support: High molecular weight HA is anti-inflammatory. High molecular weight HA is broken down into smaller pieces when it encounters reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is a two-step process: First, it neutralizes the ROS. The resultant smaller cleaved pieces then act as signaling molecules to other immune cells to start the repair process.
☛ Tissue repair and regeneration: HA has a crucial role in the repair and regeneration processes within the gut. The intestinal lining replaces itself every three to five days. HA is a component of the scaffolding that is used in the repair or replacement of cells.
◆︎ HA deficiencies in the gut environment:
Because HA has so many roles in normal gut health, it’s not surprising that there could be issues with deficiencies.
➡ Deficiency associated with barrier protection and hydration: Insufficient gel-like material on the surface of the intestinal lining can lead to a lack of protection to the intestinal lining. This allows the intestinal lining to be insulted from:
» Abrasion from the rough parts of food that are eaten and
» Damage to the intestinal lining from digestive enzymes
➡ Deficiencies associated with inflammation: With insufficient protection for the intestinal lining, the lining is exposed to bacteria and antigens. This can lead to chronic inflammation.
➡ Deficiencies associated with healing: With insufficient HA, healing may be delayed, or prevented due to insufficient scaffolding for the migration of new cells.
◆︎ Role in intestinal health:
A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science showed that a combination of hyaluronic acid and beta glucan enhanced healing of gastric ulcers in 90% of the horses that were in the treatment group.
◆︎ Supplementation:
Supplements may help your horse’s intestinal health.
Equine Ulcer Support: high molecular weight HA and beta glucan in a powder form with no preservatives.
Hyaluronic Acid: high molecular weight HA with no additives and no preservatives.
Equine Gut Support: contains prebiotics, probiotics, beta glucan, glutamine, aloe, and slippery elm.
◆︎ For more advanced care:
For more advanced digestive care, consult with your veterinarian. We do the best that we can do for our horses.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay, MSc. 2025