Hyaluronic Acid

[BOHICA]

My girlfriends mom is always asking me supplement questions, and normally I turn to this or another forum for the answers, so here goes it one more time. I know that ABC did a special on Hyaluronic Acid a couple of months ago and about how it keeps the liquid inbetween the cells fluid so you don't age as fast or something. She is wanting me to look in on it and see if its actually worth taking or just another "fountain of youth gimmick"

Thanks man I have been curious on this for some time,
David

[YellowJacket]

Hey David....

Hyaluronan is something I know a good bit about since it falls in the physiology/sports medicine category, as its connective tissue. A myriad of disorders occur involving Hyaluronan, including acrogeria, which is premature wrinkles (what women hate). If Im not mistaken, magnesium increases Hyaluronic Acid synthesis. Interestingly enough, while a deficiency in zine reduces amounts of Hyaluronic Acid, any exogenous zine does not increase Hyaluronic Acid. Estrogen (and acouple lesser known hormones) increase the efficacy of magnesium and zinc, so any exogenous estrogen will effect (for the better) the levels of Hyaluronic Acid.

Many facial lotions contain H.A. and its relatively inexpensive. If she wants to spend the $10-$15 to give it a go, it shouldnt hurt anything, of course, its not a miracle like its made out to be. This study shows promise for H.A. possibly as a permanent solution:

: Can J Ophthalmol. 2003 Jun;38(4):285-8. Related Articles, Links

Soft-tissue fillers for wrinkles, folds and volume augmentation.

Jordan DR.

University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ont. [email protected]

Hyaluronic acid gels, with or without dextran beads, and collagen with suspended PMMA microbeads are exciting new soft-tissue fillers that are becoming increasing popular for facial rejuvenation. Each material provides wrinkle reduction, contour improvement and volume augmentation when placed into lines and furrows or when used for lip augmentation. The duration of action varies from 6 months to permanent, depending on the product.