Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as: Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronan, HA
A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide of alternating glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. Oral absorption of intact HA is limited; proposed benefits may be mediated by breakdown products and gut-mediated signalling rather than direct tissue incorporation.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan found naturally in synovial fluid, skin and connective tissue. Oral supplements (usually sodium hyaluronate) are positioned for joint comfort and skin hydration.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
In joints, HA contributes to synovial-fluid viscoelasticity and lubrication. Orally, low-molecular-weight fragments may be absorbed and influence endogenous HA synthesis; the exact route by which oral HA reaches target tissues is still debated.
Physiological Role
Endogenous HA is a structural component of extracellular matrix, synovial fluid and skin, where it retains water and supports tissue lubrication and repair.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Relevant to joint comfort in active and ageing populations rather than acute performance.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Compare Sodium Forms
Full comparison8 sodium forms are indexed. Bioavailability, clinical evidence, and best-use cases differ meaningfully between them.
| Form | Evidence |
|---|---|
Hyaluronic AcidThis page Oral bioavailability of intact HA is low; lower-molecular-weight forms are better absorbed. | 35/100 |
| Calcium Caseinate DIAAS ≈ 1.18; complete EAA profile. | 78/100 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate Oral ingestion reliably raises blood bicarbonate and pH based on RCTs and meta-analyses | 69/100 |
| Sodium Citrate Rapidly absorbed. Citrate form is better tolerated than sodium bicarbonate with similar buffering effects. | 65/100 |
| Pink Himalayan Salt 100% — fully ionised when dissolved. | 60/100 |
| Boron Not established in the provided abstracts. | 55/100 |
| Sodium Phosphate Not described in the provided abstracts. | 50/100 |
| Sodium Chloride Sodium chloride is well absorbed orally. | 48/100 |
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Commonly 80–200 mg/day in studies
- Optimal Range
- 120–240 mg/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- Well tolerated in studies up to 240 mg/day
- Timing
- Daily, with or without food
- Best Format
- Sodium hyaluronate powder; molecular weight varies by product
- Bioavailability
- Oral bioavailability of intact HA is low; lower-molecular-weight forms are better absorbed.
- Absorption Considerations
- Absorbed partly as oligosaccharide fragments after enzymatic breakdown.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Rare GI upset
Contraindications
- None well established
Drug Interactions
- •None well established
Who Should Avoid
- •People with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate products
Monitoring
None routinely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Hyaluronic Acid typically used or indicated?
Hyaluronic Acid is most commonly used for: Joint-health formulas, Skin hydration products, Healthy-ageing blends. Endogenous HA is a structural component of extracellular matrix, synovial fluid and skin, where it retains water and supports tissue lubrication and repair.
How does Hyaluronic Acid work?
In joints, HA contributes to synovial-fluid viscoelasticity and lubrication. Orally, low-molecular-weight fragments may be absorbed and influence endogenous HA synthesis; the exact route by which oral HA reaches target tissues is still debated.
What is the recommended dose of Hyaluronic Acid?
The optimal range is 120–240 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of Commonly 80–200 mg/day in studies. Best taken: Daily, with or without food. Upper / caution level: Well tolerated in studies up to 240 mg/day.
What are the side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?
Reported side effects include: Rare GI upset. Monitoring: None routinely.
Does Hyaluronic Acid interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None well established. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is generally not recommended for: People with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate products; and None well established.
How strong is the evidence for Hyaluronic Acid?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 35/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
Trademark Ingredients
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid
SuppIndex. (2026). Hyaluronic Acid: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often combined with collagen, glucosamine or chondroitin in joint formulas.