Hyaluronic acid (oral + intra-articular)
Recovery · Glycosaminoglycan
Tier B
What this is
AAOS 2021 guideline downgraded intra-articular HA to 'against' for knee OA citing inconsistent effects — decision remains debated. Oral HA emerging: some evidence for skin and joints despite historical skepticism about absorption. Take oral form on empty stomach.
Mechanism
Major glycosaminoglycan in synovial fluid; provides viscoelasticity and joint lubrication; binds water 1000x its weight; oral absorption modest but supports endogenous synthesis; intra-articular replaces synovial HA
Dose & route
Oral: 80-200 mg/day; intra-articular: 20-40 mg series of 3-5 injections
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34423265/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28677708/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5522662/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.