Aging is a fact of life that people cannot avoid. With thousands of products on the market that claim to turn back the clock on a person’s appearance, it can be difficult to know which products actually work and which products’ claims are too good to be true. One popular product is oral hyaluronic acid supplements. Described as a Fountain of Youth by devoted users, these supplements are typically taken in pill form and claim to support healthy joints and vision, and improve the appearance of the skin and hair. Like any other product, there are pros and cons associated with use of the product, and those factors could help a person decide whether oral hyaluronic acid supplements are right for him or her.
According to research and independent investigations, a diet rich in oral hyaluronic acid appears to improve the look of skin, help increase longevity and improve general health. Hyaluronic acid also has been shown to reduce pain, with injections of hyaluronic acid proving more effective than oral pain medications in the relief of discomforts such as knee pain. Supplements containing this substance have been shown to add moisture to the skin and to leave the skin looking smoother and feeling softer to the touch.
At the same time, oral hyaluronic acid supplements are not a cure-all and cannot work alone. Some scientists back the benefits of hyaluronic acid in injection form but say absorption issues make the oral supplement form relatively ineffective. Even when taking a supplement, a traditional skin care regime including frequent toning and moisturizing will still need to be followed to improve the look of the skin. Another drawback is that the ingestion of hyaluronic acid in excessive amounts has been linked to stomach discomfort. No testing has been done to show the effects of hyaluronic acid on pregnant or breastfeeding women, so they should discuss the risks of use with their doctor before beginning to take the supplements.
The bottom line is that, while oral hyaluronic acid has been shown to be a safe and effective supplement that can be used to improve the appearance of one’s skin, the risks should be greatly weighed before use. Everyone’s body is different and reacts to even the best of products differently. As with any medication or supplement, it is best to discuss its benefits and risks with a doctor before beginning use to avoid potential drug interactions or concerns.