What Are the Benefits of Food-Grade Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide found in the body, distributed in the skin, joints, eyes, and other tissues. Food-grade hyaluronic acid is a form of HA that is safe for human consumption. It is often used as a dietary supplement to enhance skin hydration, joint lubrication, and overall health. The main source of food-grade HA is microbial fermentation, a method that uses safe fermentation technology to produce high-purity HA, meeting the safety standards for food additives.
HA Content in the Body
HA is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape, structure, and function of the skin. As we age, our metabolism slows, and the body’s ability to synthesize HA decreases. This reduction particularly affects the skin and joints.
On one hand, collagen and elastic fibers in the skin lack sufficient moisture, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. On the other hand, the decrease in HA in joint fluid reduces the protective effects on cartilage, which can lead to joint pain, limited mobility, and even arthritis.
Fig 1. HA Content in the Body
Can Food-Grade Hyaluronic Acid Be Absorbed by the Body
The answer is Yes.
Oral HA is primarily absorbed through the intestines, where it is broken down by enzymes into smaller fragments. Some HA molecules are further broken down into smaller HA fragments or monosaccharides, which then enter the bloodstream. These fragments still help provide hydration and lubrication to the body.
Fig 2. Absorption of oral HA[i]
As shown in Figure 2, intestinal microbes degrade HA, which is then transported to the liver for metabolism or to other tissues like the skin, joints, and eyes. Excess HA is excreted from the body.
Reading more: Consuming Hyaluronic Acid to Prevent Joint Pain
Benefits of Food-Grade Hyaluronic Acid
Since HA can be transported to the skin, joints, and eyes, it has positive effects on their health.
1. Increasing Skin Hydration
HA has a powerful ability to retain moisture, which helps the skin stay hydrated, soft, and elastic. Oral HA can increase the skin’s water content, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and making the skin appear younger. Additionally, HA supports the skin’s natural barrier, helping protect against external irritants.
Fig 3. Comparison of food-grade HA before and after consumption
Related products:
| HAC-Micro-SC | M.W: <5 K Da
Ultra Low Molecular Weight |
| HAC-Oligo-SC | M.W: 5-10 K Da
Low Molecular Weight |
| HAC-N-SC | M.W: 200-600 K Da |
| HAC-L-SC | M.W: 100-1,000 K Da(800 KDa) |
| HAC-M-SC | M.W: 800-1,600 K Da
Middle Molecular Weight |
| HAC-H-SC | M.W: >1,800 K Da
High Molecular Weight |
2. Lubricating Joints
HA serves as a lubricant in joint fluid, reducing friction between joints and improving movement. Oral HA can raise HA levels within the joints, helping relieve pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. HA also has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation around joints and delay joint degeneration.
Fig 4. The role of HA in joints
| HA-EP1.8-SC | M.W: 800K-1,300K Da,
I.V.: 1.44-2.12 m3/kg |
| HA-EP2.4-SC | M.W: 1,300K-1,800K Da;
I.V: 2.12-2.72 m3/kg |
| HA-EP3.0-SC | M.W:1,800K-2,500K Da;
I.V.: 2.72-3.53 m3/kg |
3. Relieving Eye Dryness
HA is a key component of the eye’s vitreous body and tear fluid, helping keep the eyes moist and reducing dry eye symptoms. HA supplements can relieve eye dryness and irritation, especially for people who use electronic devices for extended periods or wear contact lenses. Its moisturizing and lubricating effects help reduce eye strain and blurry vision, enhancing clarity.
| HA-EM2.0-SC | M.W: 800K-1,300K Da,
I.V.: 1.44-2.12 m3/kg |
| HA-EM2.4-SC | M.W: 1,300K-1,800K Da;
I.V: 2.12-2.72 m3/kg |
| HA-EM3.0-SC | M.W:1,800K-2,500K Da;
I.V.: 2.72-3.53 m3/kg |
4. Promoting Overall
Health Besides benefiting skin, joints, and eyes, food-grade HA also supports general health.
- Boosting the Immune System: HA helps support immunity and accelerates wound healing.
- Supporting Gut Health: HA helps repair the intestinal mucosa, aiding in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- Antioxidant Protection: HA has antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals, reducing cell damage and slowing aging.
Conclusion
Food-grade hyaluronic acid offers a natural way to support skin hydration, joint lubrication, and eye moisture, benefiting those who seek an internal approach to health and wellness. Regular intake of HA supplements can enhance these areas and contribute to overall well-being. As with any supplement, consult a healthcare professional to ensure it’s right for your needs and fits well within a balanced health regimen.
Stanford Chemical Company (SCC) is the leading wholesale supplier of pure organic hyaluronic acid in the United States. Our products include high, medium, and low molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate powders. Of course, we also support custom molecular weights. If you are interested, welcome to get a quote.
Our products have obtained relevant certifications, which show their safety.
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System)
[i] Zheng X, Wang B, Tang X, Mao B, Zhang Q, Zhang T, Zhao J, Cui S, Chen W. Absorption, metabolism, and functions of hyaluronic acid and its therapeutic prospects in combination with microorganisms: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2023 Jan 1;299:120153. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120153. Epub 2022 Sep 26. PMID: 36876779.
