Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a chain of disaccharides (sugars) present in all connective tissues that is responsible for retaining moisture. Hyaluronic acid is synthesized naturally in a healthy body but as we age, levels of hyaluronic acid fall and as a result, you may have aching joints and sagging skin. Hyaluronic acid helps in connective tissue formation and in the development and maintenance of cartilage. In an inflammatory situation or in a disease state, it may help to supplement the body with a liquid oral hyaluronic acid to support the synovial membranes of the joints. Hyaluronic acid increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, and it also serves to reduce the wear-and-tear stress on the articular cartilage and related joint structures.
