#1

I’m almost out of my NOW Foods Hyaluronic Acid supplement, which I’ve been taking for nearly four months. I was primarily hoping for improvements in skin health, eye dryness, and joint comfort, but I can’t say I’ve noticed any clear benefits.

I’ve looked through past discussions, and HA seems quite popular here. However, I’m still on the fence about whether it’s worth continuing.

There are RCTs and meta-analyses suggesting potential benefits, but I wouldn’t call them high-powered or free from bias—something that applies to many supplements. Dr. Brad seems to be a strong advocate, having made three videos promoting it in the past year.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the validity of the science, your personal experiences, or even a 0–10 rating based on your results.

For reference, I’ve been taking one capsule per day with the following ingredients:

  • Hyaluronic Acid – 100 mg
  • L-Proline – 100 mg
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid – 50 mg
  • Grape Seed Extract – 25 mg

Looking forward to your insights—appreciate any input!

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#2

For cells to function correctly they need the nutrients and also need to function correctly. HA is a useful nutrient, but unless the only problem is a shortage of HA it will only have a minor effect. I do take HA myself, but do lots of other things as well.

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#3

That makes sense—just taking HA alone isn’t necessarily going to have a dramatic effect unless there’s a deficiency or specific need. I agree that overall cellular function depends on multiple factors.

Since you take HA yourself, have you noticed any particular benefits from it? And do you think it plays a meaningful role alongside the other things you do? I’d be curious to hear what else you’ve found helpful for skin, joints, or general cellular health.

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#4

I’ve seen the claim that the only real effects are seen with high molecular weight HA, and that HMWHA is not easily obtainable, with the supplements claiming to be high molecular weight are not sufficiently high weight. I have no idea if there is any validity to that claim, but I personally don’t take it because I don’t see sufficient evidence for benefits. Brad Stanfield is not the only high profile advocate for HA, but that’s not enough for me, I need to see convincing high quality studies. Additionally, there is no clear dosing protocol with any evidence behind it. If I were to take supplements with that (HA) subpar quality of evidence, then my already large stack would quickly grow to Brian Johnson proportions.

My strategy these days is to try to cut back on my stack, and only keep that which has solid evidence for it, keeping an eye on interactions. HA doesn’t qualify (for me). YMMV.

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#5

Although you can use skin creams particularly for skin and there are issues such as with UV in the end maintaining skin is the same as maintaining other tissues. Cells need to function in an effective manner. This is essentially the thing that we discuss on this forum in all the topics.

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#6

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I’ve seen the claim that high molecular weight HA is required for significant effects, but Dr. Brad did an updated video showing that it’s not necessarily true. A 2023 study concluded that bioavailability of HA is poor, and the effects are likely due to broken-down metabolites, which raises further doubts for me about the effectiveness of oral supplementation.

I’m leaning toward discontinuing HA, at least for now, given the lack of solid, high-quality evidence supporting its benefits. Like you, I’m wary of taking supplements with subpar evidence if it’s going to make my stack grow uncontrollably.

#7

There is a point on many nutrients (other than trace elements) that the body is likely to be able to convert a nutrient closer to a required substance into the required substance than a nutrient which is quite different. This applies, for example, with vitaminers particuarly the well known B3 vitaminers.

Obviously when it comes to elements the body cannot do much. Hence for the four Molybdenum enzymes Molybdenum is essential in the diet. The same applies also to other trace elements.

Hence taking some HA even if it is broken down may make things easier.

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#8

I’ve been taking it for about 6 months. If it helps, it’s subtle. Probably continue for now. Doubt there is much downside.

Don’t think there is much reason for the ALA.

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#9

I have been taking HA for over a year and plan on continuing. I don’t see though any changes to my skin - it’s still in a very good condition, but it could be because of HA. I don’t see that my skin ages and it’s a pretty good outcome by itself. I also inject HA from time to time, so I’m not deficient.

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#10

The data on skin health for oral HA is quite good. This one is definitely worth taking IMO. Even better when used alongside hydrolyzed collage peptides.

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#11

I’ve been using oral HA for about 3.5 months now. The studies I read showed a benefit after a few weeks of using it. Sadly, I didn’t notice any changes on my skin. Got a 6 months worth bottle that I’ll use up and then discontinue it.

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#12

Might want to re-think your expectations of supplements in general if you expect major results in 3.5 months. Most of these are multiple years long commitments.

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#13

You might want to rethink inferring things from others’ comments. HA, for my purpose, should not take longer than 6 months to produce any (not major!) changes. Nowhere did I say that should be the case for other supplements or uses.

#14

I think im less convinced about collagen. Not seeing overwhelming evidence.

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#15

I’ve been taking food grade HA powder (100 mg) for 6 months and I’ve noticed a big difference in the quality of my skin (softness, reduced wrinkles, plumpness). I’ve also noticed a difference in my joints.

Initially I started using HA pill supplements. I saw no noticeable benefit. I only noticed a difference when I switched to the powder.

During the holidays, I went to Hawaii for a week and didn’t bring the powder. After a few days I began noticing a difference in my joints and skin.

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#16

What brand are you using?

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#17

I use Pure. I order it on Amazon. Here’s the link. Amazon.com: Pure Original Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid (2oz) Water Soluble, Fine Powder : Health & Household

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#18

Some convincing papers say that it is broken down in the gut to amino acids.

#19

Yeh, I think it’s coming off my stack.

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#20

Supplements for skin health (refer to Dr Brad Stanfield and Siim Land)

  • Collagen peptides 20g max (anything more could drive oxalate formation, esp in the absence of Vitamin B6)
  • Glycine 10g (better when combined with NAC)
  • Hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate 200mg)
  • Astaxanthin 2-12mg. Not on rapamycin days (appears to have some interaction). Not around exercise (could blunt positive adaptations from excercise)
  • Biotin 300mcg
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin / Nicotinamide) low dose

On HA, researchers seem to go a bit back&forth on this. As per Dr Brad’s videos, there is strong evidence from human clinical trails for reversing skin ageing (wrinkles) up to 18%. Also note that half of body’s hyaluronic acid is in the skin, and the levels reduces with age. Since the evidence is mixed, I take it when I remember and don’t bother if I miss. I have tried both high & low molecular weight, but it is hard to tell if either of them alone have made a difference. However my skin seems to have gotten better, potentially due to the cocktail above, in addition to some other modalities.

Other modalities for skin health:

  • Sauna
  • Micro-needling (Derma stamp / Derma roll / Derma pen)
  • Red Light Therapy
  • Avoid mid-day sun (or use hats and sunscreen)
  • Diet that lowers AGE formation
  • Adequate dietary protein
  • Good sleep hyegine

Creams and tropicals for skin health:

  • Rapamycin: As per one of Dr. Green’s video/post, tropical rapamycin in skin has been shown to decrease the production of senescent cells and decrease their inflammation (I haven’t tried)
  • Retinoid creams at night (Adapelene)
  • GKH Copper serum (I haven’t tried)
  • Cerave moisturizer (for ceramides & hyaluronic acid)

Advanced therapies for skin and hair (I haven’t tried any)

  • AI facial skin analysis
  • Hydrofacial treatment
  • Scalp exfoliation & mesotherapy
  • Advanced photon light therapy for the scalp, face, and body
  • Oxy fusion therapy
  • Exosomes & peptides infusion with microneedling + radiofrequency
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