Focus on Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common disease of the joints. One reason for the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis is rising life expectancy. Sustained stresses and strains of the joints due to sporting activities is another. Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease, which leads to increased wear and tear of the articular cartilage.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen: Filling for the joints
Our joints are mostly made up of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is not only responsible for keeping skin looking smooth and fresh. It is also the main component of synovial fluid, thus making it a crucial factor in all movements. Up to 70% of joint cartilage consists of collagen.
The main component of synovial fluid
Hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial fluid. It is very viscous and has a high molecular weight, i.e. its consistency is not as thin as water but thick and sticky, like runny honey. This stickiness/viscosity prevents the synovial fluid from being squeezed out when the joint moves and the lubricating film breaking.
Massive reduction with ageing
By the age of 40, our bodies only produce about 40% hyaluronic acid, and by the time we reach 60 it is only 10%. By the age of 60, the body’s own production of collagen is reduced to approx. 30% of its original capacity.
The bad news: Most of the substances go down the drain!
Our bodies have great difficulty in absorbing and utilising hyaluronic acid and collagen. The molecules are simply too big for the body to absorb easily. In other words: Most of the substances go down the drain! That is the reason why many conventional products simply cannot work.