Chondroitin combines perfectly with Joint Support Formula (which contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, boron, methyl-sulfonyl-methane, vitamin C and manganese sulfate) is an excellent alternative if chondroitin produces insufficient benefits. The vitamin C it contains promotes natural collagen formation and supports healthy cartilage (4) (like that found in normal joints).

The manganese, which helps maintain good bone function (5), and the MSM are also complementary substances which act in synergy with chondroitin.

Hyaluronic acid is obtained in two different ways:

• By extraction from rooster combs, after which it is crushed, chemically treated and purified.
• By bacterial fermentation: strands of hyaluronic acid are produced from innocuous bacteria.

Hyaluronic Acid 150 mg is made using the second of these methods. It is therefore 100% suitable for vegetarians and vegans and offers guaranteed, controlled optimal purity.

The human body is itself able to produce hyaluronic acid via a mechanism discovered around 20 years ago by Professor Paul Weigel and his team. Synthesis occurs at the inner side of plasma membranes and is a fast, effective and unique process.

Chondroitin has been available as a dietary supplement for over 30 years. In that time, there have been no reports of significant side-effects even with prolonged use (several months to two years).

It was long believed that when taken orally, hyaluronic acid had no real clinical benefit because of its particularly high molecular weight. In fact, the bioavailability of orally-administered hyaluronic acid is well-documented (3).

Animal studies, which were somewhat late in investigating this question, have shown that when administered orally, part of the hyaluronic acid molecules are perfectly capable of reaching the bloodstream and various body tissues. This discovery concurs with the recorded effects of hyaluronic acid supplementation in horses and other animals (4-6) as well as in humans (7-8).

It’s believed that these molecules cross the gut wall via micro-particles (9-10) and that part of them reaches peripheral tissues such as the skin and joints without any difficulty. The transport of hyaluronic acid in the body is, in any case, a completely normal physiological process (11-12).

It’s therefore entirely appropriate that hyaluronic acid should be available in dietary supplement form (13-15). Supplements represent an alternative to the HA injections given by health professionals and recommended by the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR).

Chondroitin is found in all living cartilaginous organisms (in fish such as rays, in mammals such as pigs, cows and humans). It is one of the glycosaminoglycans produced by cartilage cells (chondrocytes). These bind to core proteins (proteoglycans) forming gigantic mesh networks known as the extracellular matrix. It is more than 70% comprised of water because of the hydrophilic character (able to absorb and retain water) of the molecules of which it is composed.

These proteoglycans are a little like sponges: as force is applied to the joint, they absorb and release water depending on the movement. Unfortunately, the biosynthesis of these proteoglycans remains poorly understood. A number of enzymes are involved but their individual roles have yet to be established.

Alongside supplementation with hyaluronic acid, the following steps are highly recommended:

• Gradually increase the time you spend exercising every day.
• Avoid making too many repetitive movements or putting too much strain on painful joints.
• Don’t stay immobile for any length of time: regularly change position to reduce muscle and joint stiffness.
• Consider physiotherapy or phytotherapy for reducing pain. For example, the boswellic acid in the natural supplement Super Boswellia is available to buy at Supersmart and helps to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The recommended dose is 3 capsules a day (equivalent to 1200 mg).

Supplements should be taken regularly and for extended periods. The required supplementation period for chondroitin has been found to be longer than that for glucosamine: between two and six months is usually necessary before benefits are felt.

It's best to take the capsules at mealtimes with a large glass of water (to prevent the capsules getting stuck in the oesophagus).

At this dose, the product provides one month's supplementation.

If you find swallowing capsules difficult, simply open the capsule and add the contents to a glass of water or fruit juice, or a yogurt.

The life of a hyaluronic acid molecule is relatively short, ranging from 12 hours to a few days. It’s thought that a third of the body’s total hyaluronic acid composition is renewed each day under normal circumstances. A daily dose of two 150mg capsules is therefore recommended.

This dose is not associated with any adverse side-effects, whether taken for short periods (two weeks) or indeed for up to 12 months.

Dr Nahon’s view

The huge advantage of this method is that it offers an alternative to painful and sometimes dreaded injections. Oral administration of hyaluronic acid is simple and safe and produces the same results as those demonstrated in recent scientific studies.

It’s worth noting that there is no difference between men and women in terms of the treatment’s activity.

This product’s capsules are composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant substance derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used for medicines and dietary supplements. It contains no animal ingredients, is recognised as safe by health authorities and is considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.

This product’s capsules are composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant substance derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used for medicines and dietary supplements. It contains no animal ingredients, is recognised as safe by health authorities and is considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.