hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronan) is a substance the body makes on its own. It occurs in skin, connective tissue, and the fluid that cushions and lubricates joints. It is sold as an oral dietary supplement and also exists in non-supplement medical forms, such as an injection that a healthcare provider places directly into a joint.

Rigorous evidence for hyaluronic acid taken as an oral dietary supplement is limited, and there is no NIH Office of Dietary Supplements or NCCIH fact sheet specifically evaluating the oral form. The one authoritative source cited here, MedlinePlus, discusses hyaluronic acid only as an injection a provider places into the knee joint (viscosupplementation); it states that these injections do not help everyone and that fewer health plans cover them. That point refers to the injected procedure, not to swallowing the supplement. The cited source does not address oral hyaluronic acid, skin, or eye uses at all, so claims that taking hyaluronic acid by mouth improves joints, skin, or eyes are not established by the source provided here.

No recommended dietary supplement dose can be stated here, because authoritative US government sources do not provide one for oral hyaluronic acid. Speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified clinician before starting it — particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take other medicines.

A detailed safety profile for oral hyaluronic acid supplements is not provided by authoritative US government sources. Keep in mind that dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness the way prescription drugs are. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, has a health condition, or takes medications should check with a clinician before using it.

Reliable government data on side effects of the oral supplement is limited. For the provider-administered joint injection — a separate medical procedure — reactions at the injection site can occur. With the oral supplement, stop use and tell a clinician if you notice any unexpected reaction.

Specific drug interactions for oral hyaluronic acid are not documented by authoritative US government sources. As a general precaution, tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take so they can watch for possible interactions with your medications.