We’ve all heard that hyaluronic acid (HA) benefits the joints by increasing the slipperiness inside the joint. However, HA does far more than that. It is an important molecule in the body. To understand why, we need to delineate where it is and what it does.
◆︎ Where is it:
◆︎ Extracellular matrix.
There are trillions of cells in the body. The extracellular matrix is the scaffolding and jelly that surrounds each cell. As a result, this is a part of all tissues and organs in the body. It supports the tissues by giving it:
» Strength and shape from the collagen and elastin fibers
» Elasticity so that the tissues can move and flex, instead of rupture
» A place to be anchored so the cells don’t just float away
» Communication pathways between cells for nutrients and
signaling molecules
» The scaffolding for the migration of cells for wound healing
The extracellular matrix is made up of the collagen and elastin fibers, which gives it strength. This is also where the HA is located, which gives it water and cushioning.
◆︎ Made by fibroblasts:
HA is created by specialized cells called fibroblasts in the tissues, or synoviocytes in the joint. Fibroblasts are also responsible for:
☛ Developing strong fibers (collagen and elastin)
☛ Cushioning the tissue (HA and proteoglycans)
☛ Gluing the tissue together (glycoproteins)
As you can see, the fibroblasts are very busy cells.
◆︎ What can cause depletion of HA?
➡ Insufficient production: Aging can be a factor in the inadequate synthesis of HA.
➡ Inflammation, which accelerates HA depletion: We are familiar with inflammation due to arthritis. Other inflammatory processes also accelerate the breakdown of HA.
➡ UV radiation (sun damage): In humans, this is a major cause of the depletion of HA in the skin.
➡ Oxidative stress and free radicals: Air pollution is an example of oxidative stress that accelerates the breakdown of HA throughout the body. Heavy metal ingestion or inhalation also causes oxidative stress.
➡ Depletion that occurs with infections: The Lyme spirochete has been shown to consume HA, as well as decrease its synthesis. Recent research indicates that the reduction of HA allows the Lyme spirochete to damage the ligaments and tendons.
➡ Nutritional deficiencies can result in the lack of sufficient HA production.
◆︎ What HA does:
☛ Increases the slipperiness and cushioning between cells and tissues: One of the big roles is to provide cushioning. The most common references to this relate to the skin and the joints. However, this is true of ALL the cells and tissues in the body. This cushioning also allows the tissues to be flexible instead of tearing.
☛ Anti-inflammatory actions: High molecular weight HA is anti-inflammatory. It downregulates the production of inflammatory molecules.
☛ Aids in wound healing: HA aids in wound healing in a number of ways. It provides a moist environment, reduces inflammation, aids in cell migration into the wound bed, promotes collagen synthesis, and stimulates the formation of new blood vessels to the healing tissue. There are several over-the-counter wound dressings available that contain HA.
◆︎ Most common uses of HA:
Joint support: HA is used to increase the slipperiness within the joint.
Anti-inflammatory actions, particularly in joints and wounds.
Skin support: Helps support skin tone and integrity when there is skin damage.
Wound support: HA can support wound healing.
Next week we will cover in more depth some of the ways the body uses HA supplementation that are less obvious. Topics will include tendon and ligament integrity, fascial within the body, actions on the gut, pain relief, and more.
We do the best that we can do for our horses.
Do you have a special photo or story that you’d like to share? Email to sales@mybesthorse.com
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