Where is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the best kept secrets of nature for the maintenance of our health and well-being, a molecule that performs essential tasks in various parts of the body. But where is hyaluronic acid and how can we assure our body’s needs are met?

To answer these questions we must explore not only your favorite “places” of the body, but also what foods are rich in this substance and how hyaluronic acid can interact with our cells in a highly specific way, through a unique recognition mechanism, which we can imagine as a key that enters its lock.

Confused? Don’t worry, we can clear things up.

Where in the body is hyaluronic acid located?

Hyaluronic acid is widely distributed between the tissues of our body, with a particular concentration in key areas that require hydration, elasticity and lubrication.

Some of the main “deposits” of hyaluronic acid in our body are:

• the skin – about 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid is located in the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin. Its purpose is fundamental here: it retains water (up to 1000 times its weight!), keeping the skin hydrated, elastic and free of wrinkles. As we age, however, HA levels naturally decrease, one of the reasons why our skin becomes drier and less toned over time;
• the joints – in the joints, hyaluronic acid is contained in synovial fluid, a viscous substance that lubricates the joints, reducing friction and protecting cartilage from wear. It’s like oil for an engine that ensures our movements are smooth and painless;
• the eyes – hyaluronic acid is also found in the vitreous humor, (the fluid that fills the inside of the eyeball) where it helps maintain the shape of the eye and protect the retina. This “cushioning” role is crucial to preserve our vision in the long term and that’s why a hyaluronic acid deficiency can lead to problems such as dry eye syndrome;
• the connective tissue – it’s also abundant in tendons, cartilage and all those tissues that require elasticity and strength, like an elastic which stretches and returns to its original shape without breaking;
• the mucous membranes and epithelium lining – these also greatly benefit from the supply of exogenous hyaluronic acid, especially in cases such as vaginal dryness or dry mouth (xerostomia).

How hyaluronic acid works: the “key and lock” system

One of the most fascinating features of hyaluronic acid is the way it interacts with our body. In order to perform its functions fully, it must be “recognized” and “accepted” by the cells.

This happens thanks to specific receptors, which we can imagine as “locks” ready to be opened by a specific “key” (represented by hyaluronic acid).

CD44 receptors, present in many cells, are among the most important for binding with hyaluronic acid. When hyaluronic acid binds to these receptors, a series of processes are triggered which help maintain skin hydration, repair damaged tissues and lubricate joints.

This key-lock system is fundamental: without the correct receptor, hyaluronic acid wouldn’t be able to be used by cells, thus losing its potential.

A practical example of this mechanism is the regeneration of skin. When we apply hyaluronic acid products or when our body produces it, the molecules must be “accepted” by skin cell receptors. Only after being attached to these receptors can they begin retaining water and stimulating the production of collagen, another protein essential for skin health.

Hyaluronic acid in food: where is it found?

Although the body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, some foods can help support this production.

• Blue fish – fatty fish such as cod and salmon (although the latter is not exactly blue) are excellent sources of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Rich in vitamin A in the form of retinol, they help stimulate natural production of hyaluronic acid. In addition, the antioxidants present in these fish protect cells from free radicals, preventing aging.
• Lean and white meats – chicken, turkey and other lean meats are not only light and healthy, but also contain good amounts of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The cartilaginous tissues of beef, pork and poultry are also useful in this field, which is why meat broth is one of the foods generally recommended to promote the production of hyaluronic acid by the body.
• Dairy and eggs – products like cheese, milk, yogurt and butter, along with eggs, are rich in hyaluronic acid and collagen, making them valuable allies for healthy skin and joints.
• Dried fruits and seeds – nuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios and other seeds are excellent sources of omega 3, 6 and 9. These fatty acids not only promote the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, but also fight against signs of aging, making them ideal for those who follow vegetarian or mixed diets.
• Red or orange fruits and vegetables – foods such as peppers, tomatoes, carrots, oranges and mangoes not only contain hyaluronic acid and collagen, but are also rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. The vitamin C present in these fruits and vegetables is a powerful antioxidant that contributes to cell protection and collagen production.
• Tubers – potatoes, sweet potatoes, manioc and other starchy tubers support the production of hyaluronic acid, promoting skin and joint health.

Although dietary intake is useful, it is often not sufficient to counteract the natural decrease in levels of hyaluronic acid with age. For this reason, integration through topical or oral products has become a common practice.

Hyaluronic acid: how is it produced naturally?

Our body is an effective chemical laboratory that produces hyaluronic acid through specific cells called fibroblasts, mainly found in the skin and connective tissues.

These cells synthesize hyaluronic acid from simple sugars, which are assembled into long molecular chains.

The intestinal bacterial flora also seems to play an important role in the absorption of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, breaking it down into smaller and absorbable fragments. This evidence clearly suggests that a portion of hyaluronic acid ingested through food is absorbed by the body.

This synthesis process is natural and continuous but, in addition to slowing down with age, it is not always satisfied with the diet, and that’s why we often tend to resort to supplements, with the aim of supporting our body.

Hyaluronic acid: where is it obtained?

Where does the hyaluronic acid that we find in cosmetic products or supplements actually come from? In the past, it was mainly extracted from rooster combs, which are plentiful in this substance.

Today, however, thanks to advances in biotechnology, most hyaluronic acid is produced in laboratories using bacteria (usually Streptococcus). These bacteria are able to produce hyaluronic acid through a particular fermentation process.

This method is not only more ethical, but also allows to obtain a highly pure and safe product for human use.

A symbol of this quality is a product like Osidra, which guarantees a high purity of its active ingredient and an extreme ease of intake, thanks to the sublingual administration which promotes an immediate absorption and a nearly total bioavailability of hyaluronic acid for the body.

Why is Osidra the best solution in case of hyaluronic acid deficiency? Simply because it effectively supplements the intake of this substance from a varied and balanced diet, compensating for the percentage of HA that is not absorbed by the body via the intestine.

Like we said, it’s difficult for our body to get all the hyaluronic acid it needs exlusively through food, therefore proving a product like Osidra is an unsurpassed ally for the health of our organism.

Hyaluronic acid: youth elixir

Hyaluronic acid, although being a molecule with such a simple structure, has an extraordinary impact on our well-being. Its moisturizing, lubricating and regenerative properties make it indispensable in many areas of health, from skin care to joint protection.

Its effectiveness, as we have seen, depends on the perfect balance between its presence and the ability of cells to “recognize” it and welcome it through the key and lock system. The interaction between hyaluronic acid and receptors such as CD44 is probably one of the most fascinating examples of the body’s use of sophisticated mechanisms with the objective of ensuring the functionality of its biological processes.

Much of the hyaluronic acid we need is synthesized by our body in a natural way, including through food, but as we have seen, it’s not always enough.

In all these cases, fortunately, we can rely on high quality products that can help us find the well-being and balance we need in a simple and immediate way.