Mulling over what Hyaluronic acid is really all about? Bump up your IQ about this superstar nutrient.

Hyaluronic acid is a compound that occurs naturally. It is found throughout the body. In connective, epithelial, and neural tissues.

Also known as HA, it is present in body tissues, such as in skin and cartilage, eyes and joints. Both men and women are subject similarly to the effect of HAs action on the body 

Hyaluronic acid has many important functions providing cushioning and aiding in tissue repair. Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.

Cartilage Cushioning: HA helps to maintain normal joint cushioning. In cartilage, the hyaluronic acid is present as a viscous substance. HA exerts both mechanical and chemical effects in activating cartilage metabolism. It improves the adhesion ability and the proliferative activity of human cartilage cells. :

HA has the potential to modulate the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis. As well it improves the function of the osteoarthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid can be taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint.

Eyes Need HA: When it comes to the eyes there are several benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a solution contained in eyes and tears It is concentrated inside the eyeball and gives the fluid inside the eye a viscous gel-like consistency.This then performs as transport for nutrients and a shock absorber.

HA is also used during certain eye surgeries and for some eye injuries. It is credited with improving corneal epithelial disorders in dry eyes.

Skin Aid: 

• High levels of HA can lead to healthy, firm and plump looking skin.  HA functions both to deliver water to the skin and prevent water loss.Hyaluronic acid is needed to bind collagen with elastin. 
• HA nourishes and hydrates the collagen, this keeps skin smooth and the elastin highly elastic. 
• Hyaluronic acid helps carry nutrients from your blood to your skin cells. It is also used to repair the skin and the extra space between the fibres and tissues that make up the skin. It is important for holding the skins structure together and creating a protective barrier against microorganisms.
•  Hyaluronic has benefits for skin firmness, hydration, wrinkles and crow's feet in both men and women. HA holds water and is effective in holding in moisture, this helps skin appear plump and moisturized.
• However, the natural hyaluronic acid in the skin breaks down over time. With ageing comes thinning of the epidermis, loss of the elastic tissues and loss of dermal collagen.  
• Ageing and ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause skin cells to reduce the production of hyaluronic acid. This contributes to the loss of moisture and the skin becomes less plump and firm looking.
• The loss of HA also impairs the skin's ability to repair itself. HA fillers play an integral part in the correction of changes associated with ageing. 
• Hyaluronic acid fillers are used as an augmentation agent for soft tissue. It is injected into the deep layers of the skin to replace missing HA in the dermis.
• This treatment temporarily restores plumpness and the filling out of wrinkles and creases. Synthetic injected. HA fillers typically last four to six months. Even though it reduces the appearance of wrinkles the effect is only temporary. 
• A feature of note is that synthetic hyaluronic acid should not be used on patients with severe allergies

Many skin care products contain hyaluronic acid since it is a commonly used component in moisturizers. Topical products containing HA are considered effective in moisturizing surface skin cells. They are available in creams and gels that are rubbed onto rough parts of the skin to make them smoother and supple. 

Diet can make a positive difference to the level of HA in your body. You can eat food items that are that are high in hyaluronic acid or known to encourage the production of HA. This is a great reason to make some dietary changes