Hyaluronic acid (HA), an essential component for maintaining healthy skin and overall body functions, has been extensively studied since its discovery in the 1930s by Karl Meyer and John Palmer. Originally isolated from bovine eyes, HA has since been found to be ubiquitous in human tissues, playing a fundamental role in various physiological processes.

Leading cosmetic companies have widely promoted the power of hyaluronic acid. It's been said to perfectly moisturize the epidermis, preventing dryness, flakiness, and microcracks while making the skin more elastic and firm. It also eliminates fine lines and wrinkles and reduces deep wrinkles and signs of aging. But are all of these claims true?

Let's find out how HA really works, what science reveals about its benefits, and the most effective ways to boost levels.

Boosting Hyaluronic Acid with N-Acetyl Glucosamine for Longevity, Anti Aging, and Skin Rejuvenation

Chemically, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a type of molecule composed of long chains of sugar molecules. Its unique ability to hold water—up to 1,000 times its weight—makes it essential for maintaining tissue hydration and elasticity. 

HA is naturally produced in the body by specialized cells known as fibroblasts and keratinocytes in the skin, and by synovial cells in the joints. 

In the skin, hyaluronic acid promotes moisture retention, elasticity, and repair. Its presence in the extracellular matrix helps to cushion joints and keep them lubricated, promoting smooth movement. 

HA also plays a critical role in wound healing and tissue regeneration through its role in cell proliferation and migration.

In addition to its structural functions, hyaluronic acid is involved in signaling pathways that regulate inflammation and immune responses. The multifaceted role of this molecule makes it essential for maintaining healthy skin, mitigating the aging process, and supporting overall body function. 

HA is destroyed by hyaluronidase, reactive oxygen species, superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite generated during inflamed or injured tissues. The decrease in hyaluronic acid levels that can occur with age leads to a number of health problems: dryness, loss of elasticity, and wrinkle formation, while its deficiency in joints can cause stiffness and pain (1). 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Supplementing with Hyaluronic Acid

As we age, the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to joint pain, skin dryness, and reduced mobility. Hyaluronic acid supplements can effectively support the body's processes and mitigate these age-related problems. However, as with any supplement, there are potential advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation

HA supplements are available in several forms, each with its unique advantages. These forms include:

• Oral capsules and tablets
• Topical serums and creams
• Injectables

When you take HA in supplement form, it can provide benefits such as:

1. Deep hydration and improved skin elasticity
2. Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair (2)
3. Joint lubrication and cushioning
4. Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
5. High molecular weight form of HA extends lifespan (animal studies) (3)
6. Reduced inflammation (4)
7. Maintenance of normal cell migration in rejuvenating tissue (1)

Drawbacks of Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation

• The effectiveness of HA supplements can vary depending on the formulation and quality of the product. For instance, oral HA must survive the digestive process and be adequately absorbed to be effective, which may not always occur.

• While HA can provide significant benefits, these effects are often temporary. Continuous use is required to maintain the desired outcomes.

• Some people experience side effects from HA supplementation, such as skin irritation (with topical use) or allergic reactions (with injectables). It is important to choose high-quality products and consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

The Need for HA Precursors

Supplementing with HA alone may not be sufficient for optimal results. The body needs specific nutrients and precursors to produce and keep HA levels efficiently (5). These precursors include:

1. N-Acetylglucosamine: A building block for HA synthesis, often found in joint supplements.
2. Chondroitin Sulfate: Supports the production of HA and other essential components of connective tissue.
3. Magnesium: Plays a role in the enzymatic processes that produce HA.

Why Topical Hyaluronic Acid Isn't Effective 

While the cosmetics industry promises radiant, plump, and youthful skin when slathering HA onto the skin, the reality of topical creams with HA's efficacy is more complex.

HA can’t penetrate into deep skin layers:

One of the primary reasons topical HA doesn't live up to its lofty claims is its molecular size (6). HA is a large molecule, far too big to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin (7). Most HA molecules sit on the surface, creating a temporary barrier that holds moisture and gives the appearance of plumper skin.

It only has short-term effects:

The HA's hydration effects diminish as the product wears off or is washed away or if you're sweating. HA requires continuous reapplication to maintain the temporary improvement.

It doesn’t target the root cause of skin aging:

Topical HA can lead to immediate results by making the skin look plumper, but companies that sell HA don't often acknowledge that these benefits are misleading and not actually preventing age-related changes in the skin. Often, consumers believe that topical HA provides deeper, longer-term benefits and addresses the cellular causes of dry skin, while it does not.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine is Key to Enhancing HA Levels From Within

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is a derivative of glucose and glutamine, an amino sugar that is a fundamental building block of several important biopolymers, including HA, chitin, and other glycosaminoglycans. 

It is naturally found in the human body, particularly in the cartilage, synovial fluid, and skin. NAG is also a key component in the shells of crustaceans, which is a common source for its commercial extraction.

N-acetyl Glucosamine plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid (5). Here’s how it works:

1. Conversion to Glucosamine-6-Phosphate: Once ingested, NAG is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and converted into glucosamine-6-phosphate by the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine kinase.
2. Formation of UDP-Glucuronic Acid: Glucosamine-6-phosphate is then converted into UDP-glucuronic acid through a series of enzymatic reactions. UDP-glucuronic acid is a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, including hyaluronic acid.
3. Synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid: Finally, hyaluronic acid synthase enzymes use UDP-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine as substrates to produce hyaluronic acid. This newly synthesized HA is then incorporated into the extracellular matrix of various tissues, providing structural support and hydration.

Thereby, N-acetyl glucosamine has a number of benefits for skin health:

• Boosts hyaluronic acid production
• Supports skin hydration and elasticity
• Enhances joint health and mobility
• Promotes gastrointestinal health
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Disrupt glycation, preventing sugar molecules from binding to proteins or forming AGEs (8)

Combining N-Acetyl Glucosamine with Hyaluronic Acid

When combined, NAG and HA work synergistically to enhance each other's benefits, providing a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

• NAG boosts the body’s natural production of HA, thereby immediate hydration to the skin’s surface by HA. Besides, NAG supports long-term moisture retention from within.

• NAG and HA lubricate joints, reducing friction and discomfort during movement.

• NAG and HA promotes cell migration and proliferation, crucial for tissue repair, and ensures an adequate supply for effective wound healing.

• HA reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through deep hydration. In turn, NAG supports skin structure and integrity by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation.

How Oral HA Supplements Can Transform Skin and Joint Health

HA not only supports skin and joint health but also slows aging processes.

Hyaluronic acid is extensively used in clinical applications and is available in various forms, such as gels, creams, intradermal filler injections, dermal fillers, facial fillers, and oral supplements (9).

HA’s crucial role in the extracellular matrix and its diverse properties make it effective in a wide range of medical treatments, including osteoarthritis, cartilage regeneration, ophthalmology, wound healing, biopolymers, and even tissue engineering. Additionally, HA is utilized as a drug-delivery agent in cancer treatment and certain eye disorders.

However, its most recognized benefit is its ability to enhance skin appearance and reduce wrinkles. In one study, sixty participants who took HA for three months experienced significantly fewer wrinkles after eight weeks compared to a placebo group. They also showed notable improvements in skin suppleness and radiance (10).

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study further demonstrated that oral HA supplementation increased skin moisture and improved treatment outcomes for individuals with dry skin (11).

New studies found that hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) delays vascular endothelial cell senescence by reducing markers of senescence and oxidative stress and increasing SIRT1 levels (12). 

FAQs and Safety Concerns

Are HA Supplements Safe?

Generally, HA and NAG supplements are considered safe for most people when used as directed. However, as with any supplement, it is important to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects of HA and NAG supplements are typically rare and mild. They may include digestive discomfort, such as bloating or mild nausea, especially when first starting the supplement.

How Effective Are HA and NAG Supplements?

The benefits often depend on consistent use over time, typically several weeks to months.

Can HA Supplements Interact with Medications?

HA and NAG are generally considered safe and unlikely to interact with most medications. 

Are All HA and NAG Supplements the Same?

Not all HA supplements are created equal. Differences in molecular weight, formulation, and additional ingredients can impact the effectiveness and absorption of the supplement.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Naturally Boost Hyaluronic Acid

Here are some tips to help naturally increase your hyaluronic acid levels:

1. Eat Hyaluronic Acid-Rich Foods

Certain foods are naturally high in hyaluronic acid or can help increase its production. These include bone broth, liver and other organ meats, and soy.

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining HA levels. It also assists in HA doing its job of maintaining water.

3. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants help protect HA from free radical damage, so add antioxidant-rich foods to your diet like berries, leafy greens, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds.

4. Increase Magnesium and Vitamin C Intake

Magnesium is a crucial mineral for HA synthesis. Ensure your diet includes magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen and HA production, adding citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli will help you to keep your HA levels.

5. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Excess sugar and processed foods can accelerate skin aging, accumulate AGEs, and reduce HA levels. 

6. Lifestyle Support

Engaging in regular physical activity can boost your overall health and support HA synthesis. Chronic stress can negatively impact your skin and overall health, as well as HA levels, so learn how to manage it effectively. 

Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and skin regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support HA production and maintain youthful, hydrated skin.

7. Use HA Precursor Supplements

HA supplements are an effective way to boost natural HA production that declines up to five times during aging. 

How Strategic Supplementation Supports Skin Health Long-term

In the pursuit of healthy aging, strategic supplementation is a powerful tool. By choosing science-based supplements like Jung+ Cellular Skin Renewal, you can impact the many processes associated with aging at the very beginning. 

This supplement contains hyaluronic acid and its precursor, N-acetyl glucosamine, ingredients that support youthful skin and joints. It also contains other key antioxidants and nutrients that work synergistically to promote longevity. By taking a holistic approach to anti-aging, you can improve your appearance and quality of life and possibly even extend it.

References:

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Redefining Its Role (2020). Cells.
2. A low molecular weight hyaluronic acid derivative accelerates excisional wound healing by modulating pro-inflammation, promoting epithelialization and neovascularization, and remodeling collagen (2019). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.  
3. Increased hyaluronan by naked mole-rat Has2 improves healthspan in mice (2023). Nature.
4. Hyaluronic acid in inflammation and tissue regeneration (2016). Wounds.
5. Hyaluronan: Metabolism and Function (2020). Biomolecules.
6. The Content and Size of Hyaluronan in Biological Fluids and Tissues (2015). Frontiers in Immunology.
7. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs (2000). Experimental Dermatology.
8. Advances in Hyaluronic Acid for Biomedical Applications (2022). Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
9. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period (2017). Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
10. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin (2014). Nutrition Journal.
11. A Novel Role of Hyaluronic Acid and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1) in Delaying Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence (2023). Biomolecules & Therapeutics.