Hyaluronic acid for horses

Hyaluronic acid supplements for horse

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in high concentrations in articular cartilage and joint fluid in animals and humans.
The function of the joint is to distribute and equalize the pressure that occurs when the horse moves.

The joint consists of the joint capsule, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the underlying bone. All these structures together form the organ of the joint. The joint cavity is lined with synovial fluid, which consists mainly of hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that gives the fluid its viscous consistency (high viscosity). In a healthy joint there is a high concentration of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid which binds large amounts of water and these unique properties help to cushion and lubricate the joint.

Hyaluronic acid is produced in the articular cartilage by the cartilage cells and in the synovial fluid by the joint capsule cells, where it is an important component for the normal function of the joint. Among other things, hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant on the surface of the articular cartilage so that movement of the joint occurs without friction.

The large molecule has an enormous capacity to bind large amounts of water, which contributes to shock absorption of the various structures of the joint under load. Hyaluronic acid in the joint is also important for the supply of nutrients to the cartilage, which lacks blood vessels, and for the transport of slag products. When the horse is trained and competed intensively, the hyaluronic acid molecule breaks down into smaller components, even as the horse ages, its concentration in the joint decreases.

When hyaluronic acid is fed to horses, the molecule is absorbed via the intestine into the bloodstream. Via the blood, the hyaluronic acid reaches the joint where it attaches to specific receptors on the cells of the joint capsule.
The joint capsule cells are stimulated to produce new hyaluronic acid, thus promoting the normal function of the joint. Shock absorption and the lubricating function of the joint fluid are thus maintained.

Hyaluronic acid can be given daily to horses for a long period of time, e.g. during the racing season or after joint treatment. There are no side effects associated with long-term treatment with hyaluronic acid.