Meta-analysis availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useNeeds more research
Glycosaminoglycan supporting joint lubrication and skin hydration.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in various tissues throughout the body, with high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue hydration, lubrication, and elasticity due to its remarkable ability to attract and retain water molecules. HA contributes to the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix and is involved in processes such as wound healing and cell migration. It is commonly used in cosmetic and medical applications.
Quick answer
What it is: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in various tissues throughout the body, with high concentrations in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes.
As no specific studies were provided, the content is based on established biochemical knowledge and general understanding of hyaluronic acid's role in human physiology. The lack of specific PubMed evidence means claims are conservative and general.
Last reviewed · Jun 2026
Have you tried Hyaluronic Acid?
Vote in 5 seconds. Add details if you want.
Your experience for Osteoarthritis:
Commonly Combined With
Other remedies frequently used alongside this one — from curated relationships, community reports, and shared protocols.
Community signal breakdown
Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.
Dietary protocols studied for the conditions this remedy is associated with.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Polyphenol- and omega-3-rich diets are linked with better skin elasticity, hydration, and reduced photoaging markers.
Skin Care: Reduces inflammatory drivers of acne, rosacea, and eczema; commonly recommended alongside topical care.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Eliminating dairy has reduced acne severity in clinical studies; whole-food vegan diets push this further with high antioxidant intake.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Vegetarian Diet
A plant-based eating pattern that excludes meat, poultry, and fish but typically allows eggs and/or dairy.
Vegetarian diets range from lacto-ovo (includes eggs and dairy) to lacto (dairy only) and ovo (eggs only). Done well, they are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Done poorly, they can be high in refined grains and low in key nutrients (B12, iron, omega-3s, zinc).
Foods to emphasize
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, tempeh)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat)
Vegetables and fruit, daily and varied
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Plan for protein at every meal (legumes, tofu, tempeh, eggs, dairy)
Pair iron-rich plants with vitamin C to boost absorption
Plan a reliable B12 source — fortified foods or a supplement
Include omega-3 ALA from flax, chia, walnuts; consider an algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Beauty & Anti-Aging: High intake of plant antioxidants is linked with better skin antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative stress markers in observational studies.
Nutritional adequacy depends on planning, not just food choice. A registered dietitian can help avoid common gaps.
Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)
A strict elimination version of paleo designed to calm autoimmune flares and identify food triggers through structured reintroduction.
The Autoimmune Protocol removes foods commonly implicated in immune activation and gut permeability — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol, and additives — for a 30–90 day elimination, followed by careful one-at-a-time reintroduction. It is most studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Foods to emphasize
Quality meat, poultry, and seafood (especially wild-caught fatty fish)
Organ meats once or twice weekly
A wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables and leafy greens
Nuts and seeds (including seed-based spices like cumin, coriander)
Refined sugar and sweeteners
Alcohol
NSAIDs and food additives where possible
Key principles
Pair the elimination with sleep, stress management, and movement
Track symptoms in a journal during reintroductions
Reintroduce one food every 5–7 days and watch for symptom changes
Most people do NOT need to stay strict long-term — the goal is a personalized maintenance diet
Typical duration: 30–90 day strict elimination, then a structured staged reintroduction over weeks to months.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Used as an elimination protocol for chronic eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune skin conditions where food triggers are suspected.
AIP is restrictive and best done with a practitioner familiar with the protocol, especially when active autoimmune disease is involved or in pregnancy/lactation.
Carnivore Diet
An all-animal-foods elimination diet consisting of meat, fish, eggs, and (optionally) dairy, with zero plant foods.
The carnivore diet is the most aggressive elimination diet — it removes every plant food (and therefore every fiber, lectin, oxalate, gluten, and FODMAP source) to isolate animal-food tolerance. Proponents use it primarily as a short-term diagnostic elimination to surface food triggers in autoimmune, gut, and inflammatory conditions. Long-term safety data is limited and observational.
Foods to emphasize
Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, bison) — emphasized for nutrient density
Pasture-raised eggs
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Organ meats (liver, kidney) once or twice weekly
Bone broth and bone marrow
Animal fats (tallow, butter, ghee)
Salt to taste
Optional: aged hard cheeses, heavy cream
Foods to avoid
All grains, legumes, and seeds
All vegetables and fruit
Nuts and plant oils
Sugar and sweeteners
Most processed foods
Alcohol
Key principles
Eat to satiety — no calorie counting
Salt food liberally to maintain electrolytes
Prioritize fattier cuts over lean meats
Reintroduce foods one at a time after the elimination window to identify triggers
Best tracked with a clinician given the radical nature of the change
Typical duration: Typically run as a 30–90 day elimination, then food reintroductions one at a time.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Reported anecdotally to clear chronic skin inflammation by removing common food triggers; used as a short diagnostic elimination, not a long-term plan.
Long-term effects on cardiovascular markers, bone health, and the gut microbiome are not well established. Avoid in chronic kidney disease, gout flares, or active eating disorders without medical supervision.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin
Antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption.
Low zinc is linked to recurrent infections, acne, slow wound healing, leaky gut, and impaired taste/smell. Often deficient in vegetarians and those with gut malabsorption.
Common symptoms
Frequent colds/infections
Acne or slow-healing skin
Loss of taste or smell
Hair loss
White spots on nails
Food sources
Oysters
Beef and lamb
Pumpkin seeds
Cashews
Lentils and chickpeas
Lab markers to discuss
Plasma or serum zinc
Zinc/copper ratio
Reference intake: 8–11 mg/day RDA.
Supplementation notes: Take away from iron and calcium. Long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper — pair with ~1 mg copper if dosing >30 mg/day.
Why it matters here
Skin Care: Low zinc is implicated in acne, eczema, and slow wound healing.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Required for wound healing and collagen formation.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Fat-soluble vitamin
Required for epithelial integrity, immune defense, vision, and skin renewal.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Influences skin barrier function and pigmentation pathways.
Skin Care: Supports skin barrier and immune balance.
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Its unique molecular structure allows it to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent humectant. In the skin, HA contributes to plumpness and elasticity by maintaining hydration. In joints, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the synovial fluid. HA also interacts with cell surface receptors, such as CD44, influencing cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation.
Look for products with clearly stated molecular weight (often indicated as kDa or MDa), as different molecular weights may have varying effects. Reputable manufacturers often provide third-party testing for purity.
Avoid if
Known allergy to hyaluronic acid or product components
Active skin infection (for topical or injectable forms)
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
120–240 mg/day oral
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Traditional use
While hyaluronic acid itself is a modern biochemical discovery, its components and functions relate to traditional understandings of tissue hydration and joint health, which have been addressed through various traditional remedies aimed at supporting these bodily functions.
Safety
Safety warnings
Generally well tolerated.
Avoid if
Known allergy to hyaluronic acid or product components
Active skin infection (for topical or injectable forms)
Reported side effects
Mild skin irritation (topical)
Redness (topical)
Swelling (injectable)
Bruising (injectable)
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade
As no specific studies were provided, the content is based on established biochemical knowledge and general understanding of hyaluronic acid's role in human physiology. The lack of specific PubMed evidence means claims are conservative and general.
Xu B, Huang X, Su X, Fu Y, Feng S, Zhou Y · Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2026 · n=254
To compare the comparative efficacy and safety of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP), leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and placebo for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science was conducted from inception to October 2025, without language restrictions.
We included RCTs that compared at least two of the following interventions in patients with KOA: L-PRP, LP-PRP, HA, or placebo. The primary outcome was functional improvement measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes were pain reduction and the incidence of short-term adverse events.
Twenty-one RCTs, comprising 2,254 patients, were included. The network meta-analysis demonstrated that for functional improvement at 6-12 month
Pyo JS, Cho WJ · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · 2016 · n=390
To assess the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA/chondroitin sulfate (CS) instillation in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome by systematic review and meta-analysis.
A systematic literature search was performed using the keywords: 'interstitial cystitis' or 'painful bladder syndrome' or 'bladder pain syndrome' and 'hyaluronic acid', up to March 31, 2016. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale related pain symptom (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Problem Index (ICPI), frequency, nocturia, bladder volume, and voided urine volume.
Ten articles involving 390 patients were retrieved and assessed in analysis. A significant improvement in mean VAS on fixed-effect and random-effect models (mean difference [MD] -3.654, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.814 to -3.495, and MD -3.206, 95% CI -4.156 to -2.257, respectively) was found. Significant improvements were found in the ICSI (MD -3
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Clinical Guidelines(1)
Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).
Abdulla A, Adams N, Bone M, Elliott AM, Gaffin J, Jones D · Age and ageing · 2013
This guidance document reviews the epidemiology and management of pain in older people via a literature review of published research. The aim of this document is to inform health professionals in any care setting who work with older adults on best practice for the management of pain and to identify where there are gaps in the evidence that require further research. The assessment of pain in older people has not been covered within this guidance and can be found in a separate document (http://www.britishpainsociety.org/pub_professional.htm#assessmentpop). Substantial differences in the population, methods and definitions used in published research makes it difficult to compare across studies and impossible to determine the definitive prevalence of pain in older people. There are inconsistencies within the literature as to whether or not pain increases or decreases in this age group, and whether this is influenced by gender. There is, however, some evidence that the prevalence of pain is
Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
Hill WS, Dohnalek MH, Ha Y, Kim SJ, Jung JC, Kang SB · Nutrients · 2023 · n=100
Osteoarthritis is a significant global health problem. Many patients seek more effective alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or commercial supplements to manage joint pain and inflammation. FlexPro MD® (FP-MD) combines krill oil, astaxanthin, and lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid to support joint health. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of FP-MD and placebo once daily in participants (n = 100) with mild osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint. For the primary endpoint of joint pain score, per-protocol participants (n = 75) in the FP-MD group (n = 37) had a statistically significantly greater mean reduction from baseline in the Korean Visual Analog Scale (K-VAS) at week 12 compared with participants in the placebo group (n = 38) (20.8 ± 16.16 mm vs. 10.6 ± 17.58, p = 0.0105). The Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (K-WOMAC) total score was also signif
Javed Z, Papageorgiou M, Deshmukh H, Kilpatrick ES, Mann V, Corless L · Nutrients · 2019
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic-fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). Vitamin D supplementation may exert positive effects on liver biochemistry in patients with NAFLD; however, its effects on PCOS are unknown. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study explored the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, glucose levels, insulin levels, the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), hormones (free androgen index (FAI), testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and liver markers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA), N-terminal pro-peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), tissue inhibitor of metallo-proteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score). Forty women with PCOS were recruited and randomized to vitamin D (3200 IU) or placebo daily for 3
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(2)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Scarpignato C, De Bortoli N, Iovino P, Nacci A, Sarnelli G, Savarino EV · Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology · 2025
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a challenging condition, even in the third millennium. For much of the past century, Schwartz's dictum-"No acid, no ulcer"-has shaped our approach to acid-related diseases, making acid suppression the cornerstone of therapy. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely regarded as the standard treatment for GERD. However, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying disease. Moreover, nearly 50% of patients experience limited or no response to PPIs in clinical practice. Recent advances in understanding GERD's pathophysiology, particularly the role of impaired mucosal integrity, have led to innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these, medical devices designed to prevent reflux or coat the esophageal mucosa and form a stable protective barrier represent a significant breakthrough. Esophageal mucosal protection is emerging as a promising approach, especially for patients who do not respond adequately to PPIs. While mu
Apostu D, Lucaciu O, Mester A, Oltean-Dan D, Baciut M, Baciut G · Drug metabolism reviews · 2019
Articular cartilage has a complex structure and metabolism which allow for a proper movement within joints. Nevertheless, several systemically administered pharmacological agents have been proved to improve the anabolic response in the case of cartilage lesions. Alendronate, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen hydrolysate, vitamin C, vitamin D, aspirin and strontium ranelate have shown positive results in clinical trials. On the other hand, calcitonin, risedronate, doxycycline, and celecoxib did not slow the progression of cartilage lesions in clinical trials. Other systemic drugs or supplements such as teriparatide, leptin, zoledronic acid, bevacizumab, atorvastatin, omega-3 fatty acid, naringin, MSM, selenium, zinc, magnesium, resveratrol, donepezil, naproxen, etodolac, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), lithium chloride, and rebamipide showed positive results in in vitro and animal studies but clinical trials are needed to confirm the positive impact on cartil
Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(25)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease persisting when immunosuppression is achieved. Orbital fibroblasts from GO patients display peculiar phenotypes even if not exposed to autoimmunity, possibly reflecting genetic or epigenetic mechanisms, to be investigated here.
Primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts from GO and control patients will be established. Cell proliferation, release of hyaluronic acid (HA) and HA synthases (HAS) will be measured. Next Generation Sequencing and gene expression analysis of the whole genome will be performed, as well as global DNA methylation assay.
This study compares the efficacy of Hylo-Dual (Hyaluronic acid 0.05% \& Ectoine 2.0%) and Olopatadine (Olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) in the control of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in the pediatric population. Half of participants will receive Hylo-Dual, while the other half will receive Olopatadine treatment for 2 months.
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease closely related to thyroid disease, which leads the incidence of orbital disease in adults and is the most common cause of diffuse toxic goiter (Graves disease, GD). The clinical manifestations of TAO are complex and varied. In severe cases, it may seriously impair visual function, affect daily life, and even cause corneal ulceration, perforation, and blindness. Therefore, a reasonable and effective treatment plan should be chosen according to the degree of TAO.
IBI311 is a fully human monoclonal insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitory antibody. It has binding activity against IGF-1R positive cells, can block the binding of IGF-1 and IGF-2 to IGF-1R, and has a dose-dependent effect. It can inhibit the proliferation of HT29 cells caused by the activation of the IGF-1R signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it can dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of orbital fibroblasts and the secretion of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients with TAO.
However, there are still significant gaps in the existing research evidence: There is a lack of reports on the efficacy and safety of IBI311 in inactive moderate to severe TAO patients.
The aim of this clinical study is to:
1. To evaluate the efficacy of IBI311 treatment in patients with inactive moderate to severe TAO.
2. To observe the safety of IBI311 treatment in patients with inactive moderate to severe TAO.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: Without specific PubMed studies, there is a significant gap in evidence regarding efficacy for particular ailments, optimal dosages, and specific safety profiles in various contexts. The information provided is general biological knowledge rather than evidence for specific therapeutic applications.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
Tried Hyaluronic Acid?
Help others see what actually works.
Tried Hyaluronic Acid?
Real-world results help others choose what's worth trying.