Hyaluronic acid (also called Hyaluronan or HA) is present in every tissue of the body. Its most important biological role is the retention of water. It also carries nutrients and eliminates waste from structures of the body, such as cartilage, that do not have a direct blood supply. Without adequate HA, the body's most important connective structures can break down.

The highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid are found in the joints, heart valves and eyes. It is also the primary component in synovial fluid, which helps cushion and lubricate joints.

• Restore lubrication and cushioning to joints
• Hydrate and moisturize the skin from the inside out
• Smooth skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Support eye health

As we age, our hyaluronic acid level drops, which can cause our joints to become weak. Our joints are protected by a membrane that secretes synovial fluid. This fluid serves many functions, including acting as a lubricant, shock absorber and nutrient carrier. It protects joints and bones and is largely made up of hyaluronic acid.

Synovial fluid also brings nutrients to cartilage. High concentrations of HA are found in this connective tissue.

Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in helping build joint collagen as well.

Medical doctors have used an FDA-approved injectible form of HA to treat osteoarthritis for the last 20 years. Of the over one million people treated, 80 percent have noted improvement.

Glucosamine sulfate is widely used for joint support and can complement hyaluronic acid. Glucosamine is a precursor to the synthesis of HA and can increase HA levels when taken in high doses. Where glucosamine is part of the protein content of joint collagen, HA is part of the polysaccharide content. Supplementing with both makes good sense for joints.

Hyaluronic acid is well known for skin care and anti-aging benefits. Nicknamed the "key to the fountain of youth," hyaluronic acid was noted to help people live to ripe old ages. In the village of Yuzuri Hara, Japan, over ten percent of the population is over 85 years old, which is 10 times the norm for America. They don't just live longer either; they are healthier as well. And their skin shows little age. The reason was found to be the practice of eating "sticky vegetable" carbohydrates that stimulate the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid.

Aging is the result of the breakdown of skin collagen. If we restore and maintain higher collagen levels, our skin can become softer and have fewer wrinkles. The properties of HA help rehydrate skin and build collagen, keeping the skin's extracellular matrix moist and supple.

Hyaluronic acid may support clearer eyesight and more moist eyes. It has been used for years in eye surgery as a shock absorber to protect the retina.

Lindberg Hyaluronic Acid also contains MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), known as nature's beauty mineral. MSM is made up of naturally occurring sulfur, one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It is critical to the production of healthy collagen, a building block of nails, skin, hair, joints and other connective tissue. The combination of HA plus MSM contributes to healthy joint cartilage and can support a range of joint problems.

While some forms of hyaluronic acid come from rooster combs, a type of cartilage found in chickens, ours does not. Lindberg Hyaluronic Acid is derived from sodium hyaluronate and is suitable for vegetarians.

Generally, you can see results with oral supplements in 2-4 months. However, it is possible to see results in as little as one month. You can also double the dosage for the first month to help establish hyaluronic acid's benefits quickly.

Many factors can influence our hyaluronic acid levels, including age, diet and genetics. By the age of 50, we are estimated to have less half the level we had in our youth. Supplementation then becomes crucial to restore adequate levels so we can live our lives more fully and comfortably.