Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a high molecular-weight polysaccharide composed of repeating polymeric disaccharides of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. In simpler terms, it's a complex sugar molecule with remarkable water-binding capabilities . You'll find HA present in nearly every connective tissue and organ in your pet's body, including the skin, synovial fluid, blood vessels, serum, brain, cartilage, and even heart valves.

Synovial fluid, which lubricates your pet's joints, contains the highest concentration of HA in the body, at 3–4 mg/mL . This high concentration is crucial for maintaining optimal joint health. HA's mean molecular weight (MW) ranges from several hundred to several million. This gives it a high viscosity in water, meaning it's exceptionally thick, which is essential for its function as an effective lubricant.

Hyaluronic acid serves as a key component in supporting your pet's overall joint health in several significant ways.

Hyaluronic acid significantly contributes to the viscosity of the synovial fluid, acting as a primary lubricant for your pet's joint movements . The high viscosity helps to reduce friction between the cartilaginous surfaces, ensuring smooth and pain-free movement.

The remarkable viscosity of synovial fluid is attributable to HA and serves as a lubricant for joint movements, resulting in a coefficient of friction of nearly zero in joint cartilage.

Hyaluronic acid also plays a crucial role in preventing cartilage denaturation and protecting its outer layer . Articular cartilage is a wear-resistant connective tissue that allows joint articulation with low friction.

Under compressive loads, synovial fluid within and around the healthy cartilage is forced between the articulating surfaces to reduce surface friction.

Hyaluronic acid can effectively block synovial inflammation in your pet's joints. The study by Asari et al. showed that oral hyaluronic acid binds to an intestinal receptor (Toll-like receptor-4;TLR-4) , which enhances the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, leading to anti-inflammation of arthritis.

Hyaluronic acid helps in increasing chondrocyte density, promoting synovium metabolism, normalizing synovial fluid, and treating sharp pain in your pet's joints.

You have several options to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your pet's joint care regimen. Each method has its distinct advantages and limitations, and consulting with a trusted professional is important to determine the best approach for your pet's specific needs.

Intra-articular injections are a traditional method to restore HA levels directly into your pet's joint . These injections improve symptoms, although they represent a mental burden and the risk of infection for patients who need to visit the hospital regularly to receive these painful injections.

When administered properly, these injections aim to restore depleted levels of hyaluronic acid in the joint, improve lubrication, reduce inflammation, and provide symptomatic relief for your pet.

Oral hyaluronic acid supplements offer a less invasive option for supporting your pet's joint health . These supplements are designed to be easily administered at home, reducing the stress associated with veterinary visits for your companion.

The oral administration of hyaluronic acid aims to provide systemic benefits, targeting various tissues throughout your pet's body.

After your pet ingests hyaluronic acid, it is not absorbed into the body as a high-molecular-weight polymer.

Hyaluronic acid with a MW exceeding 1 x 10^5 is rarely absorbed directly. Instead, hyaluronic acid is decomposed into 2–6-membered polysaccharides by enteric bacteria , and these polysaccharides are partially absorbed into your pet's body by the small intestine.

Kurihara et al. reported that hyaluronic acid is decomposed into 2–6-membered polysaccharides by enteric bacteria, and these polysaccharides are partially absorbed into the body by the small intestine.

When your pet consumes oral hyaluronic acid, it binds to Toll-like receptor 4, promoting IL-10 expression, suppressing pleiotrophin expression, and leading to anti-inflammation of arthritis.

Asari et al. identified a signaling cascade in which receptors on intestinal epithelial cells are activated by oral hyaluronic acid, which results in decreased pain for your pet.

Multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of dietary hyaluronic acid in alleviating knee pain since 2008 in the US, EU, and Asia.

You can feel confident knowing that oral hyaluronic acid is generally considered a safe food material for your pet . Chicken comb, which contains highly concentrated hyaluronic acid, has long been consumed in Germany, France, and China.

Several comprehensive safety studies of hyaluronic acid have been conducted. No toxicity was observed in single-dose toxicity studies, repeated-dose toxicity studies, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, mutagenicity tests, and antigenicity studies. There were no adverse events attributable to HA in any of the aforementioned clinical trials.

Hyaluronic acid offers a promising avenue for improving your pet's joint health and mobility. By understanding what hyaluronic acid is, how it works in your pet's body, and the various options available, you can make informed decisions to support your companion's well-being.

Before starting any hyaluronic acid supplementation, consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it aligns with your pet's specific health needs. Monitor your pet closely for improvements in mobility, reduction in pain, and overall quality of life.

With the right approach, hyaluronic acid can be a valuable tool in helping your beloved pet live a more comfortable and active life for years to come.