Japan-based food and supplements company Kewpie recently announced the publication of a clinical trial investigating the effects of supplementation with Hyabest (S)LF-P, a hyaluronic acid supplement, for the purposes of reducing the effects of aging on human skin.
 
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced naturally by the human body, and is most heavily concentrated within the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Preliminary research has been underway to determine the effects that hyaluronic acid supplementation may have on skin, joint, and eye function, as well as wound healing, bone strength, and bladder pain.
 
HA was first isolated nearly a century ago, and has been synthesized and researched since the mid-forties. Its first major application for medical use came in 1970, and since, it has been used for a number of topical and cosmetic applications.
 
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 subjects of both sexes, between the ages of 35 and 64, were either administered the 120 mg hyaluronic acid supplement daily or were given a placebo daily, over a twelve week period. 
 
While the placebo group did not see any significant changes among their skin appearance statistically significant and measurable beneficial results were seen in the skin conditions of the hyaluronic acid group, including skin hydration, trans-epidermal moisture loss, crow’s feet and major wrinkle depth, Ep-Dm thickness, collagen structure, and an overall improvement of the collagen profile.
 
It was observed that HA reinforces the collagenic structure beneath the corneal layer of the skin, which breaks down in cases of HA deficiency, suggesting that it may yield synergistic benefits with collagen supplementation. According to Kewpie, the Japan Gelatin/Collagen Industry Association recently announced that 2019 sales of all collagen peptides rose to a new record high of 5,900 tons, about 20% of which was in the form of ingestible foods and supplements, suggesting that today’s market climate is likely optimal for a skin health supplement also shown to have synergistic properties with collagen, a cornerstone cosmeceutical in the beauty, joint health, and healthy aging market categories.
 
Kewpie has been supporting clinical research on Hyabest (S) LF-P since its first trial in 2013, during which the supplement significantly improved a UV-induced loss of dermal hydration. Further, a 2017 clinical study involving 60 human subjects found that Kewpie’s HA supplement had beneficial effects on wrinkles.
 
In addition to its supplement format, Kewpie also formulates Hyabest for other manufacturers of foods and dietary supplements.
 
“Scores of hyaluronic acid supplements appear in random doses, of undetermined origin,” Kewpie said in a statement. “Consumers hear the buzz of benefits. Though unfamiliar with the research, they conclude that ‘it can’t hurt.’ But can’t it? Costly supplements, where dosage is insufficient due to haphazard processing and worse, injure not only one’s wallet, but one’s wellbeing.”