WHAT IS HA?
HA is the abbreviation for hyaluronic acid, a protein that occers naturally in our body.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF HA?
HA is present in every tissue of the body and plays many important rolos in the functioning of our body, especially the joints and skin.

HA AND THE JOINT
HA is the natural lubricant that cushions our joints, allowing them to move smoothly and freely. A component of the synovial fluid, i.e. the fluid found in the cavities of our joints such as the elbows and the knees, it serves as a lubricant and shock absorber, protecting the bones and cushioning the joints from shock.

It also acts as a nutrient carrier and waste eliminator for cartilage cells. Cartilage is immersed in the synovial fluid and contains no blood vessels, and the only way in which nutrients can be carried into the cartilage, and waste can be removed is via the synovial fluid. HA is also a key componen of cartilage itself, the connective tissue that provides strength and flexibility to the body.

HA AND SKIN
HA is a major constituent of the extra-cellular matrix,i.e the substance in the space between cells in the tissue. All nutrients and metabolic waste are transported through the extra-cellular matrix. In the skin, the extra-cellular matrix is composed of hyaluronic acid and other substances such as collagen, and elastin.

HA has the ability to help hold water up to 1000 times its weight, hence allowing large amount of water to be held in the extra-cellular matrix, filling up the space between skin cells, thus making the skin soft and elastic. When elastin is not sufficiently bathed in water, it becomes dry anf brittle, thus causing the appearance of dry, brittle and wrinkled skin.

HA can be said to be an internal cosmetic to hydrate the skin; helping to moisturize skin from the inside out, from the inner dermis layer to the outer epidermis layer of the skin. It is what that helps give your skin the plump and youthful appearance.

DEPLETION AND REPLENISHMENT OF HA
It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the HA in the cartilage to be depleted to half, but in the skin it takes only one day for half of the HA that is found in the epidermis to be metabolished and excreted. Hence, our body has to continuously synthesize HA to replace the HA that is metabolishes.

However, as we age, usually when we reach our late 20s or early 30s,i.e the time that we start to see the first signs of aging; we can also expect the natural production of HA by our body to slow down. This will gradually affect the protection and cushioning of the joints due to the layer of cushion gradually getting thinner as the HA in the joints depletes without being adequately replenished.

THE USE OF HA
The use of HA supplementation is not new. In fact, HA has been used as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee for over 20 years, via direct injection into the joints. HA injection has also been used in skin treatment to improve the skin’s contour and reduce depression in the skin due to acne, scars, injury or lines.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION WITH HA
Until recently, HA was only used in injections as the molecules were far too large for absorpion through our digestive system. The size of HA molecule is some 10,000 times the average molecular weight of an amino acid. Thanks to Injuv(TM) technique developed by Japanese scientist to lower the molecular weight of HA without altering its chemical nature, it is now possible for HA to be taken orally as a nutritional supplement.

That is the great news as oral supplementation of HA can help in two years - i.e. It is not only helpful in maintaining healthy joints but also suppleness in our skin. Like HA sythesized by the body, HA taken as a nutritional supplement can also help to moisturize from the dermis to epidermis i.e from the deeper layer of the skin to outer layer.

Studies on particular taking HA supplementation orally has shown that benefits can be noted in 2 months of commencing the supplementation
-GAYAHIDUP FOREVER.