There is some evidence that oral hyaluronic acid can relieve joint pain from arthritis. However, more research is necessary to confirm whether it is effective.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the body. It helps lubricate the joints. If you have osteoarthritis (OA), the level of HA in your joints is likely to be low. Therapy with HA for osteoarthritis aims to increase levels of HA either through injection or oral supplementation.
By improving joint lubrication, HA may help relieve pain and stiffness from OA.
Although many people use injectable HA for OA, there’s little high quality evidence that proves it works.
There is some evidence oral HA might help improve arthritis joint pain and mobility.
In a 2020 clinical trial, 60 individuals with knee osteoarthritis were given a supplement or placebo for 8 weeks. Those who took the supplement found it reduced pain and stiffness and improved overall joint function.
Researchers have also investigated combination supplements. A 2021 clinical trial of a supplement with oral HA, glucosamine, and chondroitin found improvements in pain and function over 8 weeks in people with mild knee pain from osteoarthritis.
It’s still unclear what oral HA formulation or dosage might be right for someone with osteoarthritis as further research is still necessary.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, hyaluronic acid is best for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
An older study from 2016 compared oral HA to injectable HA in people with early osteoarthritis. Of those who received injections, results were better among people under age 60. While those who received oral HA, results were better among people over this age.
It’s possible that those over 60 might get more benefits from oral HA compared to injections.
Hyaluronic acid in either formulation might be an alternative for people who cannot take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for arthritis.
An older review paper on oral HA from 2016 found no reports of adverse events from taking it as a supplement. Newer research is still needed to confirm its safety profile.
The most common side effects of injectable HA are
Less common side effects include:
- pain and swelling at the injection site
- rash
- muscle cramps
- nausea
A 2018 review of HA for osteoarthritis noted some evidence that HA can help with joint lubrication and have anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protecting effects. However, the same review also noted the lack of solid evidence for HA in arthritis and indicated that more research is necessary.
There are some factors you might want to consider when choosing between oral HA or HA injections.
- Cost: Injectable HA costs between $350 and $500 per injection and may be covered by insurance, but typically only once every 6 months. The cost of oral HA varies by product. As oral HA is sold over the counter, insurance might not cover the cost.
- Administration: A doctor administers injectable HA in a series of 1 to 5 shots, which can happen over several weeks. Oral HA is taken at home regularly according to the product instructions.
- Effectiveness: With both oral HA and injectable HA, it can take several weeks for symptoms to improve. Some people who take injectable HA feel better for months after it works. If it is effective, the injection procedure is repeated usually after 6 months.
Does taking hyaluronic acid orally help joints?
Yes, taking hyaluronic acid (HA) orally has been shown to help with joint pain and improve overall mobility. Small studies have shown that there may be a short-term benefit for mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Who should not take oral hyaluronic acid
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, diabetes, or bleeding disorders, you should avoid taking oral hyaluronic acid unless you have spoken with a doctor first.
Hyaluronic acid might be an alternative for people who cannot take NSAIDs or corticosteroids for osteoarthritis. However, there is still only limited evidence that hyaluronic acid in either form is effective at treating OA symptoms.