Hyaluronic acid, also known as “hyaluronan”, or “HA”, is a large polysaccharide (complex sugar) molecule composed of disaccharides linked together in a chain. It belongs to a family of biological compounds called “glycosaminoglycans” (GAGs). These complex, versatile molecules impart structural strength and integrity to cells while providing elasticity and lubrication to joints and other body parts.  GAGs can be thought of as anatomic “glue and grease” that keep bodily structures strong, supple and moving together smoothly. Our tissues contain more hyaluronic acid than any other GAG.¹

Humans are fluid-based organisms; the body contains up to 70% water. Cells have a high water content along with various intracellular (inside the cell) organelles. The extracellular (outside the cell) matrix itself is a water world. This non-cellular environment is highly dynamic: a complex bio-field in which cell-to-cell communication and a grand array of other biochemical functions take place.

The extracellular matrix provides the cushioning and support for joints, the bone-to-bone connections that allow us to move. For this to work according to nature’s design, fluids occupying the spaces between bones need to be slippery and elastic in order to keep friction from building up as joints move harmoniously in their life-long anatomic dance.

Hyaluronic acid is essential for the viscosity of joint fluid; the “slipperiness” that allows us to move freely and easily. Hyaluronic acid is remarkably viscous: 5000 times more so than water! The synovial membrane, the protective layer surrounding joints, is rich in hyaluronic acid––the pliancy and resiliency of our joints would be non-existent without it; we’d be like the Tin Man waiting for someone to bring us an oil can so we could move once again. When you feel the spring in your step and the bounce in your run, thank nature for hyaluronic acid; you would never experience the joy of movement if it were not for this amazing biological substance that permeates your entire body.