Sodium Hyaluronate ULMW, (Hyaluronic Acid)
Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. It is commonly used in medical and cosmetic applications. Sodium hyaluronate has a high molecular weight and is derived from hyaluronic acid through a process called sodium salt formation. Due to its biocompatibility and non-immunogenic nature, sodium hyaluronate is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for use.
Why ULMW (Ultra Low Molecular Weight)?
The majority of orally taken Hyaluronic Acid is non-absorbable due to its large molecular size. TMW® uses ULMW (ultra low molecular weight) HA to ensure maximum absorption. You may ask, why don't all companies offer ULMW? The answer is simple: cost. ULMW is anywhere from 10-15x more expensive than larger standard HA.
Benefits:
Joint Health: HA is a major component of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints. Oral consumption can help maintain joint health, reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. This can promote mobility and independence in older age.
Skin Hydration: HA is known for its exceptional water-binding capacity. Oral intake can improve skin hydration from within, reducing wrinkles and maintaining skin elasticity. This not only has aesthetic benefits but also helps maintain the skin's barrier function, which is crucial for preventing infections and environmental damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging and is linked to many age-related diseases. HA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially slowing down the aging process and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Antioxidant Properties: HA acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. This stress is a major contributor to cellular aging. By reducing oxidative damage, HA may help protect DNA and cellular structures, slowing down the aging process.
Bone Health: Studies suggest that HA plays a role in bone metabolism. It may help maintain bone density by influencing osteoblast (bone-forming cells) and osteoclast (bone-resorbing cells) activity, which is crucial in preventing osteoporosis, a common condition in the elderly.
Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays a significant role in longevity. HA has been found to support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. This can enhance nutrient absorption and prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
Eye Health: As we age, our eyes produce less HA, leading to dry eyes and potential vision problems. Oral HA supplementation can help maintain eye hydration and possibly slow down age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration.
Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that HA may have neuroprotective effects. It could help maintain the health of brain cells and support cognitive function, which is a key aspect of healthy aging.
Wound Healing: HA is involved in tissue repair processes. Better wound healing is particularly important for older adults, as their healing capacity decreases with age, making them more susceptible to complications from injuries.
Potential Anti-Glycation Effects: Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are proteins or lipids that become glycated due to exposure to sugars. AGEs are implicated in various age-related diseases. Some studies suggest that HA may have anti-glycation properties, which could slow down this aspect of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid Effects on 12 Hallmarks of Aging:
Cellular Senescence:
Sodium hyaluronate's anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation, potentially mitigating cellular senescence and age-related diseases, while promoting tissue repair and regeneration, indirectly influencing cellular senescence by maintaining tissue homeostasis and reducing senescent cell accumulation.
Inflammation:
Sodium hyaluronate reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory molecules and modulating the inflammatory response through suppressing mediator expression and immune cell recruitment to inflamed tissues.
Genomic Instability:
Maintaining tissue health and cellular integrity with substances like sodium hyaluronate indirectly impacts genomic stability. For instance, promoting tissue repair and wound healing may create a favorable environment for cellular processes, including DNA repair mechanisms.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
Sodium hyaluronate could potentially contribute to supporting overall cellular function, including mitochondrial function by promoting tissue repair and creating a favorable cellular environment.
Stem Cell Exhaustion:
Sodium hyaluronate interacts with stem cells through cell surface receptors like CD44, influencing their behavior in proliferation, differentiation, and migration. It is used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to enhance stem cell-based therapies.
Loss of Proteostasis:
Sodium hyaluronate contributes to maintaining proteostasis by promoting cell survival, modulating inflammatory responses, and enhancing tissue repair processes through creating a favorable cellular environment.
Intercellular Communication:
Sodium hyaluronate influences cellular communication through interactions with cell surface receptors, facilitating cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. It is a vital component of the extracellular matrix, providing structural support and elasticity to tissues.
Sources:
Joint Health:
Oe, M., et al. (2016). "Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review." Nutrition Journal, 15(1), 11.
Skin Hydration:
Kawada, C., et al. (2014). "Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin." Nutrition Journal, 13, 70.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Antioxidant Properties:
Ke, C., et al. (2011). "Antioxidant activity of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid"
Bone Health:
Gut Health:
Eye Health:
Cognitive Function:
Sherman, L. S., et al. (2015). "Hyaluronan Synthesis, Catabolism, and Signaling in Neurodegenerative Diseases." Int J Cell Biol v.2015; 2015 PMC4581574 (This paper discusses HA's role in brain function, though more direct studies on cognitive benefits are needed)
Wound Healing:
Additional sources on HA's role in longevity:
Vigetti, D., et al. (2014). "Hyaluronan: biosynthesis and signaling." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-General Subjects, 1840(8), 2452-2459. (Provides an overview of HA's biological roles, many of which are related to aging processes)
