Hyaluronic acid as Hyaluronic acid?

We are often advised to give our horses hyaluronic acid as a dietary supplement. The purpose of the supplement is to promote good joint health, i.e. to give our horses the best conditions to last a long time by avoiding joint inflammation and arthrosis. Veterinarians also recommend giving hyaluronic acid for rehabilitative purposes when joint inflammation has unfortunately occurred anyway. In the acute phase, the substance is injected directly into the affected joint to quickly reverse the inflammatory condition. Recovery is then supported by continued administration in the feed.

Hyaluronic acid helps maintain good joint health

Does it matter which hyaluronic acid product I choose?

The answer to that question is yes because the molecular weight has a decisive impact on the joint. When buying a joint supplement based on hyaluronic acid, it is therefore extremely important to find out the molecular weight of the content. The higher the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid, the better, provided that it is still manageable.

When the first hyaluronic acid products for oral use were launched by EvaVet in the 1990s, scientists had Eva Skiöldebrand in collaboration with 2 veterinarians from the US, conducted rigorous research studies to ensure the molecular weight required to have a positive impact in the joint.

The concentration of hyaluronic acid is another parameter to look at. It shows how much hyaluronic acid the supplement contains. Here it is more about getting value for money and knowing that the horse is actually getting the amount needed to do good.

Conquer & Chondrogen were the first hyaluronic acid products for oral use and were launched in 1996

How are joints affected by different grades of hyaluronic acid?

As mentioned above, it is important to use a product with as high a molecular weight as possible, preferably up to 1.4 million Daltons. The existing synovial fluid is then replenished with new high-quality synovial fluid. Low molecular weight products can trigger joint inflammation rather than prevent it!

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid means that it has very large molecules. As these travel to the joint, they will strive to create new large molecules that bind the joint fluid together and make it thick and viscous. So, since the job of the synovial fluid is to lubricate and cushion, it must have large molecules to do its job.

In other words, giving the horse a low molecular weight preparation sends small molecules into the joint. The small molecules are smaller than those found in the existing joint fluid. Instead, they will strive to break down the entire joint fluid to the smaller size. The effect will be to make the joint fluid more watery and more fluid. The lubricating and shock-absorbing properties are reduced, increasing the risk of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis.

In other words, finding out the molecular weight of your hyaluronic acid product is essential to ensure the positive effects of giving your horse the essential joint supplements.

Healthy Leaders products are researched by veterinarians & sold in many of the country's veterinary clinics

You can read more about what hyaluronic acid is here