In Russia, there are more than 4 million people diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). At the same time, the prevalence of undiagnosed disease can reach 15 million. The incidence of OA is steadily growing, with about 600 thousand new cases of this pathology registered in Russia every year. According to forecasts, by 2022 the number of people suffering from osteoarthritis may increase to 57%, and disability of varying degrees may reach 66%.
With this disease, destruction and disruption of cartilage restoration processes occur, as well as involvement in the pathological process of the bone located under the cartilage and the tissues surrounding the joint: joint capsule, synovial membrane, ligamentous-muscular apparatus.
With age, cartilage tissue loses special substances (type 4 chondroitin sulfates), which are able to retain moisture and maintain the firmness and elasticity of the joint. These processes, in addition to age, are affected by metabolic disorders, excess weight, genetic predisposition, injuries, professional or sports overload, and a violation of the physiological axis of the joints, congenital or acquired. These changes occur both in the peripheral joints, which are subject to maximum load, and in the spine. With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs (“spacers” between the vertebrae) lose up to 50% of chondroitin sulfate. Flexibility in the joints and spine disappears, movements in them become limited and are accompanied by crunching, morning and starting stiffness, pain of a mechanical nature (under load), with prolonged stay in one position are disturbing. As the disease progresses, in addition to cartilage, other joint structures are also involved, which leads to local inflammation and severe pain (therefore, one of the names of the disease is osteoarthritis). With increased load on the spine (for example, working in a summer cottage, carrying heavy loads, etc.), cracks and destruction appear in the intervertebral discs. The result is an attack of acute pain, pinching of nerves and vessels along the spine, and the formation of intervertebral hernias.
What is hyaluronic acid for joints?
Hyaluronate is the main component of joint fluid. It gives it the necessary viscosity, thanks to which the cartilage receives the components necessary for metabolism and maintains functionality. Hyaluronic acid is also part of cartilage, and if it is deficient, the formation of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) stops. It is this component that gives cartilage its elasticity and ability to absorb shock. When it is deficient, it becomes brittle, cracks, and arthrosis develops.
The formation and breakdown of hyaluronic acid occurs non-stop in the body. However, with age or against the background of functional disorders, metabolic mechanisms slow down - a deficiency of hyaluronate or defects in its structure is formed. Molecules are still formed, but are no longer able to bind and retain water. Scientists call this process aging of the body.
The worse hyaluronic acid retains moisture, the faster the body ages
Contraindications and side effects
Before taking hyaluronic acid, you need to carefully study the contraindications. You should stop using the drug if you have an individual intolerance to the components, as well as with high blood clotting. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hyaluronic acid in tablets can cause side effects, which most often resemble allergic symptoms. Sometimes redness of the skin or swelling may occur.
Why is the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid important?
The substance is a polymer, a long chain of 10-20 thousand organic and inorganic elements. It can be low- or high-molecular - with a molecular weight from 5 thousand to 20 million Da.
High molecular weight acid, which is a very long chain, penetrates the cell worse than low molecular weight acid. “Hyaluron”, which is part of the synovial fluid, has a molecular weight of 2-3 million Da - the optimal value in order to penetrate between chondrocytes and at the same time maintain lubricity.
Low molecular weight acid penetrates the cartilage, delivering nutrients and fluid to it. High molecular weight - does not penetrate inside, but forms a lubricating layer that performs a shock-absorbing function. Hyaluronate-based injections are done to eliminate friction of cartilage and restore viscosity and volume of synovial fluid.
The synthetic drug Noltrex, whose molecular weight is 10 million Da, copes with this no worse, and even more effectively. The substance adheres to the cartilaginous surfaces without penetrating inside, and effectively performs the function of synovial fluid.
The hyaluronic acid molecule holds up to 300-500 water molecules
Areas corrected with fillers
One of the most popular uses of hyaluronic fillers is lip augmentation and/or correction of their shape and contour, elimination of drooping corners and wrinkles.
Video about lip augmentation
In addition, hyaluronic acid injections (“beauty injections”) are performed on the following areas of the face and body:
- eyebrows (removal of interbrow folds, or so-called “wrinkles of anger”);
- eyes (to eliminate crow's feet, adding volume to eyelids);
- forehead (removal of facial wrinkles);
- face (oval correction);
- cheekbones (adding volume);
- back of the hands (rejuvenation);
- any area of skin (filling scars);
- ears (lobe correction);
- cheeks (replenishing volume, giving relief).
How is hyaluronic acid obtained?
In the body, natural hyaluronic acid is produced by special cells. They are found in joints, the joint capsule, and other organs - the substance is universal and has the same structure everywhere. It is biologically compatible and does not cause an immune response, even if obtained from the outside, with rare exceptions.
Hyaluronic acid is extracted in one of two ways:
- Physico-chemical.
The source is biomass - cockscombs, ligaments, cartilage, vitreous body of cattle, umbilical cords. They are treated with alkalis and acids, cleaned and dried. Finished preparations contain residues of animal protein, which can cause allergies.
Many vegetarians refuse to use animal-derived hyaluronic acid.
- Biotechnological.
Wheat substrates are used as raw materials. The bacteria housed in them multiply and synthesize hyaluronic acid, which is separated, cleaned and dried. It is this variety that is considered safer and more effective today.
Hyaluronic acid itself is chemically unstable, so it is used for injection in the form of sodium hyaluronate - sodium salt.
From what age is it used?
It is not advisable to use hyaluron injections at a young age, since it is already synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities. It makes sense to replenish it locally only when absolutely necessary.
Up to 30-40 years of age, it is optimal to use external cosmetics with hyaluronate for preventive purposes. At the same time, you need to remember about protection from UV radiation, the balance of water in the body and the absence of bad habits.
At 40-50, cosmetologists include periodic injections of the substance, subject to the availability of home care with hyaluron.
For people over 50 years of age, injections with this polysaccharide are indicated to replenish it. At the same time, cosmetics with hyaluronate are not the main therapeutic agent, but an auxiliary one, aimed at consolidating the result and maintaining it.
What is the difference between native and modified hyaluronic acid
Native – most closely matches the one that is formed in the body. However, it quickly breaks down under the action of hyaluronidase. This form is used in dietary supplements, which must be taken for a long time before the substance accumulates in the body.
Modified - undergoes additional processing. Its molecules are held together with vitamins, amino acids and other microelements, which makes it difficult to recognize by hyaluronidase and increases the period of cleavage, and therefore the duration of action.
It is this modified acid that is used in orthopedics to treat arthrosis or osteoarthritis. After injection into the joint, it remains there for several months, performing the functions of synovial fluid. The synthetic drug Noltrex works on a similar principle, but takes longer, since the enzyme hyaluronidase does not recognize a substance of artificial origin at all. The effect of intra-articular injections of Noltrex lasts for a year, one and a half, and sometimes two years.
Noltrex is not recognized by hyaluronidase, so it lasts longer than hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is included in many synovial fluid prostheses, for example in “Hyalur CS”:
Principles for choosing a product
Various pharmaceutical brands develop and produce a significant number of drugs with hyaluron in tablet form. It is impossible to say which company is better in this case. The choice depends on the availability of additives in products from different manufacturers: some will suit some, and others – others. Moreover, supplements should not cause side effects, in particular allergies. The tablets help in the fight against small wrinkles and in the recovery process after certain cosmetic procedures.
It is also important to understand that a dietary supplement is not a drug, so it is not subject to careful long-term monitoring. This means that you need to buy products from trusted companies with a good reputation - this is a guarantee of higher quality.
Is it worth drinking hyaluronic acid in the form of tablets and capsules?
Not all people with joint problems are ready to undergo a course of injections, especially if they have a history of polyosteoarthritis, which means that injections must be given to each joint. In such cases, many resort to tablets or capsules containing hyaluronic acid. How justified is this and does it make sense?
In order for hyaluronate to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the blood, it must be low molecular weight. Studies have shown that most of the molecules passing through the esophagus are absorbed and have a positive effect on the body. The body independently distributes “hyaluronic acid” and directs it to the needs of internal organs, joints and connective tissue. It will not be possible to restore the health of skin, nails or hair in this way: the body does not “consider” appearance problems to be the most important.
It takes years to take hyaluronic acid tablets to achieve the effect.
Of course, tablets and capsules are not enough to treat osteoarthritis, just as one remedy is not enough. Sometimes joints continue to deteriorate even after a course of intra-articular injections of Noltrex, if a person does not follow the basic rules of work and rest, does not receive vitamin C from food, for example, or has an extra 20 kg of weight. Listen to the advice of experienced orthopedists, choose reliable therapeutic methods - and may your joints be healthy!
A selection of the best products with hyaluronic acid
Experts in the field of cosmetology have identified the TOP hyaluronic acid from various manufacturers. The best rating included creams that demonstrated high performance in the following parameters:
- Safety,
- Compliance with cost and quality,
- Benefit,
- Reviews from users and specialists.
LIBREDERM
Librederm is a manufacturer of cosmetics based on hyaluronic acid, which is in demand in the CIS. The product has medium thickness, so it is easy to apply and evenly distributed. It also doesn't make you feel greasy. Sold in a bottle with a dispenser. Thanks to it, it is convenient to take the product, and the ingress of dust and foreign substances into the bottle itself is excluded.
The manufacturer positions it as the best filler product that can rejuvenate the skin without injections in a short time. At the same time, the cream contains quite a bit of hyaluronate. In fact, there is a relief from newly formed wrinkles and intense hydration of the skin. The product can be used as a base for make-up. The product masks the signs of fatigue and makes the face look fresh.
TETE COSMECEUTICAL HYALURONIC LIFTING
Swiss brand Tete produces a product that includes three-dimensional hyaluronate and liposomes. It is aimed at actively combating the signs of aging and preventing the appearance of wrinkles for a long time. Users note that the cream solves all problems, as the manufacturer promises.
The tool has the following parameters:
- The active components penetrate as deeply as possible,
- The elasticity of the skin is restored,
- Pores become smaller
- Noticeable rejuvenation
- The effects of stress, lack of sleep and fatigue go away.
The cream has a cumulative effect, so it is necessary to take breaks between courses with it. This makes the cost of quite expensive cosmetics completely justified.
L'ERBOLARIO ACIDO IALURONICO
This cosmetic product is intended for combination skin; it is ideal when used in winter, when the skin dries out greatly. The cream does not cause a feeling of tightness and does not clog pores. The beneficial properties include evening out facial tone and smoothing out fine wrinkles. You need to apply the cream twice a day. It also has accumulative properties.
MATIS HYALURONIC PERFORMANCE
The product is used to solve three problems:
- Moisturize,
- Restore,
- Remove wrinkles.
It has the lightest texture, so it does not clog pores, is well absorbed and can be used as a base for makeup. It has a distinct scent, but it disappears soon after application. Some users say it creates an almost invisible film without being greasy.
The cream accelerates cell renewal and stimulates the production of its own hyaluronic acid. When used regularly by women over 30 years of age, it can replace injections. A clear manifestation of rejuvenation is noticeable with prolonged use.
PERRICONE MD HYALO PLASMA
The American brand produces this product for all skin types. It strengthens the skin, fills it with moisture and restores cells. The cream also nourishes the skin and makes it softer, slows down the aging process, hides signs of fatigue, and restores elasticity. It has a fairly high price, but the quality and strong effect of the cosmetic product justify it.
VITEX HYALURON LIFT 45+
Intended for women over 45 years of age. The cream must be applied every morning to obtain a lifting effect. The product has a light and delicate texture and a pleasant, unobtrusive aroma. Users note the enveloping effect of the cream. He is also capable of:
- protect from negative external influences,
- improve skin tone,
- smooth out wrinkles,
- correct the contour of the face.
The product slows down aging, retains moisture throughout the day, and heals small wounds.
