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Oral Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Jozélio Freire de Carvalho, Josy Davidson
Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology 2024 35(4):557-562

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 39886281
PubMed Central
PMC11778613
DOI
10.31138/mjr.240724.oha

Study snapshot

DesignSystematic review
ModelPatients with osteoarthritis or low back pain across 11 studies
Sample11 studies; 597 patients
InterventionOral hyaluronic acid or HA-containing formulations, approximately 30–300 mg/day across included studies
Duration4 weeks to 12 months
EndpointsVAS pain; WOMAC; Joint function; SF-36; Lequesne Index; Stiffness; Inflammatory cytokines; Adverse effects

What the study showed, in plain terms

This 2024 systematic review identified 11 studies of oral hyaluronic acid or HA-containing products in rheumatic conditions, covering 597 patients.

Nine of the 11 reports described improvement in at least one pain or function outcome, and adverse effects were generally rare and mild.

The key caveat is attribution: most included studies tested combination products or co-interventions, so the review supports a joint-health signal but cannot assign every positive result to hyaluronic acid alone.

Key findings

  • Eleven studies involving 597 patients were included.
  • Nine of 11 studies reported improvement in at least one rheumatologic outcome.
  • Oral HA doses ranged from about 30 to 300 mg/day and follow-up ranged from four weeks to 12 months.
  • Adverse effects were described as rare and mild.

What this study can and cannot tell us

  • Most included trials were small and heterogeneous.
  • Many interventions contained additional ingredients or were paired with other therapies, limiting HA-specific attribution.
  • Only one low-back-pain study was included, so conclusions are dominated by knee osteoarthritis evidence.

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Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction Dr. Amr Yasser, PhDCardiometabolic, Musculoskeletal, Gut & Bioavailability Dr. Abdulla Mostafa, PhDCellular Senescence, Neurological, Mitochondrial & Brain-Ageing Biology