Hyaluronic Acid

    Written by:
    Megan Michaux

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: September 5, 2023

    Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large polysaccharide that is found naturally throughout the body and in high concentrations in the skin, the joint fluid, and the eye. It plays a role in many important bodily functions, including wound healing, joint lubrication and ovulation. As a supplement, it is most frequently used for joint health, to treat dry eyes, and in anti-aging products for the skin.

    17 references on this page
    1,675 participants in trials and 4 meta-analyses

    Overview

    Dosage information

    For oral supplementation, the recommended dosage is 120 mg per day, with supplements usually available in either 60 mg or 120 mg tablets.[1]

    For dry eye treatments, drops are usually available in 0.3% solutions, although they may be effective from as low as 0.1%.[2]

    Topical creams and serums range from 0.1% to 0.3% HA concentrations, and will contain a mixture of high- and low-molecular-weight HA.[3]

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

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    Research written by

    Megan Michaux

    Examine Database References

    1. Dermatitis Severity - Tai RZ, Loh EW, Tsai JT, Tam KWEffect of hyaluronic acid on radiotherapy-induced mucocutaneous side effects: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Support Care Cancer.(2022-Jun)
    2. Pain - Shen D, Chen M, Chen K, Wang T, Lu L, Yang XEfficacy of hyaluronic acid after knee arthroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Rehabil Med.(2018-Nov-07)
    3. Wound Healing - Voigt J, Driver VRHyaluronic acid derivatives and their healing effect on burns, epithelial surgical wounds, and chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Wound Repair Regen.(2012)
    4. Dry Eye Symptoms - Yun-Jung Yang, Won-Young Lee, Young-Jin Kim, Yeon-Pyo HongA Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops for the Treatment of Dry Eye SyndromeInt J Environ Res Public Health.(2021 Mar 1)