Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance and usually exists as a sodium salt forming a highly viscous fluid with exceptional lubricating qualities. The highest levels are found in the skin and joints. There are also high levels found in the eyes, cartilage, heart, intervertebral discs of the spine, and in fluids of the inner ear and middle ear. The importance in the lubrication of joints and decreasing joint pain and inflammation has been well documented. It is also important in vision, integrity of tissues, bacterial invasiveness, elasticity of skin, circulatory lubricant, and molecular transport between cells.
Unfortunately, as pets age levels of HA decrease. When HA levels decrease, tissues become less elastic resulting in wrinkles and aches and pains. Painful joints are often deficient in hyaluronic acid. When HA decreases, the joints are not adequately lubricated which results in pain and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is not only important for normal joint function but may also play a key role in numerous physiological functions.
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