What Does Fulvic Acid Do for You and Are There Side Effects?

Fulvic acid is a compound found in sewage, soils, and compost.

Fulvic acid is a naturally occurring compound present in certain foods and shilajit, a supplement used for centuries as folk medicine and traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda in India. Recent research has shown that both elements have many therapeutic benefits, such as promoting brain function and reducing inflammation. Read on to learn more about what is fulvic acid, its benefits, side effects, dosage, and how it relates to shilajit.

Fulvic acid is a compound found in sewage, soils, and compost, where organic matter is decomposed and becomes humus. It forms part of a broader set of elements called "humic substances," including humic acid and humin. Once extracted, it can be processed into liquid or capsule form. (Humus is not related to hummus, the Mediterranean dip made from chickpeas.)

Fulvic acid has a long history of use in folk medicine as a treatment for several disorders such as diabetes, asthma, and anemia. It has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its alleged health benefits. For example, research suggests that this compound may help reduce inflammation, protect the brain, and even lower cholesterol.

While it's usually regarded as a safe compound, fulvic acid can cause some side effects like diarrhea and headaches. Furthermore, it should be thoroughly purified to avoid arsenic and other harmful compounds in the final product.

Fulvic acid is sometimes found in organically grown vegetables. The best natural sources of it include radishes, carrots, and beets — root vegetables that dig deep into the soil. However, the amount of fulvic acid found will vary greatly depending on where the vegetable was grown. Most people take a fulvic acid extract or shilajit to up their daily intake of this compound.

Shilajit is a dark tarry substance secreted by the sedimentary rocks of certain mountain ranges. Shilajit from the Himalayas has gained substantial popularity as a supplement for athletes. It is also sought for many other uses, such as an anti-inflammatory supplement.

Not many people know these therapeutic properties of shilajit come from fulvic acid, which forms about 20% of shilajit. Shilajit can also treat conditions that call for fulvic acid — especially chronic inflammatory diseases. The amount of fulvic acid in shilajit, however, varies between regions.

Shilajit also provides numerous mineral and fungal components that may contribute to treating certain conditions. It can be taken in capsule or powder form, but unlike fulvic acid, it's usually added to beverages instead of taken on its own.

Recent research has shown that both fulvic acid and shilajit provide numerous health benefits. Fulvic acid contains more than 70 minerals and antioxidant substances such as polyphenols and flavonoids. It also contains amino acids, nucleic acids, sugars, peptides, vitamins, phytochemical compounds, and plant DNA. Fulvic acid contains substantial amounts of iron, magnesium, and manganese that can meet the bulk of an adult’s daily recommended allowance (RDA). Other fulvic minerals include calcium, sodium, potassium, copper, and zinc.

Fulvic acid has primarily been used as a nutrient for plants and to maintain soil moisture. The interest in human use is recent, so there are few studies on humans, hence the beneficial effects may vary between people. There is very little scientific evidence to back any of its claimed benefits.

The following are believed to be some fulvic acid benefits:

Reduces inflammation

Conditions such as allergies, asthma, and diabetes can be linked to overactive immune cells, which trigger your defenses too easily. Both shilajit and fulvic acid have shown promise regarding their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the symptoms of these disorders. However, this isn't new to folk medicine; shilajit has appeared in ancient texts that talk about its properties as an herbal remedy. While it's unclear whether these benefits are true, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory for centuries.

Boosts immunity

Some literature suggests fulvic acid can enhance and trigger the immune system while ensuring its proper function. For example, it purportedly can help reduce a wound's size while also helping combat eventual infections. These benefits are not as clear as the anti-inflammatory ones. Instead, they depend on the quality of the extract and the dose taken.

Promotes brain health

Both fulvic acid and shilajit have shown promise as neuroprotective agents against certain disorders. Studies have shown it may protect the brain from cognitive conditions related to aging, such as Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, it stimulates cognitive function and may play a part in increasing longevity.

Gut health

Research suggests fulvic acid positively impacts your gut by improving the flora and your ability to absorb nutrients, though these benefits appear only after long-term use. In a study, it took two months before a significant change in the gut showed up.

Enhancement of absorption of minerals

Most of the nutrients in fulvic acid are in electrically charged (ionic) form, so they can improve the absorption of minerals such as iron in the body and make it more bioavailable for the bone marrow to produce blood cells.

Other benefits

While research is still ongoing, both fulvic acid and shilajit have shown promise in many other therapeutic benefits. It is also studied for its potential use in cancer treatment because it is believed to prevent or slow down cancer progression.

Some of the potential health benefits of these two compounds include:

• Reducing anxiety
• Antioxidant properties
• Alleviating pain
• Relieving altitude sickness
• Enhancing memory

Due to its long history of use as folk medicine, both fulvic acid and shilajit have been considered safe substances for almost everyone. Modern research confirms this but also points to several side effects that may occur when taking higher doses. However, experts also note these symptoms usually resolve on their own after a short period.

Fulvic acid and shilajit side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Sore throat

One of the main dangers of fulvic acid, and particularly shilajit, is the presence of harmful components in cheap products. These supplements are particularly prone to imprecise purification procedures, which may lead to heavy metals such as lead or mercury in the final product.

Regarding long-term use, studies have shown that taking either fulvic acid or shilajit for three months causes no significant side effects. Similarly, it may even prove to be safe during long-term use by people with conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Research on fulvic acid is limited, so a safe dosage is yet to be determined. Experts advise against its use by pregnant women and children, as it's unclear if fulvic acid is safe for them. Although fulvic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, it also can boost the immune system, so avoid using it if you have any autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. In addition, although it has antioxidant capabilities, with high doses, it can have oxidant effects, causing oxidative stress instead of neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

Fulvic acid may interfere with some medications, so check with your doctor before taking it, if you are taking any regular medications. There is some concern fulvic acid in water might increase the risk for Kashin-Beck disease, a bone and joint disease in children, particularly in regions where people do not get enough selenium from their diet.

Usually, fulvic acid is taken in liquid form or a capsule, but it may also be used as a topical application. However, keep in mind that if you use it topically, you may not be able to reap all the therapeutic benefits of the compound. Similarly, shilajit is sometimes taken in capsules, but most of the time it's mixed with a beverage, as it also comes in a fine powder form.

Whichever method you choose, be careful not to exceed the dosage indicated in the packaging. If you have any doubts, make sure to clear them with a nutritionist, as they'll be able to instruct you on taking fulvic acid safely.

How does fulvic acid work in the body?

Fulvic acid may work in a variety of ways in the body. The iron and other minerals perform many vital functions in the body. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids can help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that result from natural metabolic processes. Free radicals cause oxidative stress and are known to play a role in many diseases. Studies show fulvic acid also has oxidant activity and can contribute to oxidative damage instead of preventing it.

The anti-inflammatory substances in fulvic acid can reduce inflammation, however, it also stimulates the immune system, hence people with autoimmune disorders should avoid taking it.

Can fulvic acid improve skin health?

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of fulvic acid may be beneficial for skin health. It is used as an ingredient in skin care products and skin cleansers. It is believed to hydrate the skin and protect it from environmental pollution. It may stimulate collagen production in the skin and reduce wrinkles. It is also thought to reduce symptoms of itching and dryness from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

There are, however, no scientific studies to establish that fulvic acid improves skin health. Fulvic acid for skin is available as a skin care product, or you could also do a fulvic acid soak by adding it to your water in the bathtub or foot spa.

What are the sources of fulvic acid?

Fulvic acid is found in soil, humus, compost, and other decomposed organic matter. It is found in shilajit, a substance that oozes from rocks in certain mountainous regions, including the Himalayas in India. It is also found in root vegetables that grow in soils rich in fulvic acid. However, for human use, it is usually extracted from natural sources or purified and processed into powder, capsules, or solutions.

How does fulvic acid support immune function?

Fulvic acid has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity. It boosts immune function by increasing the level of antibodies. It may stop the progression of infection and reduce the size of infected wounds. It may help protect against harmful organisms (pathogens) and control tumor growth by stimulating inflammatory responses in the body.

There are claims it reduces inflammation by reducing the secretion of inflammatory proteins (cytokines) by the immune system. It may relieve symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema by reducing inflammatory activity and reduces swelling (edema). Further research is required to establish fulvic acid benefits for inflammatory conditions because it depends on the particular product’s composition, dosage, and proper administration.

Is fulvic acid beneficial for gut health?

Fulvic acid may enhance the absorption of minerals and other nutrients in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial gut flora by removing toxins. It also reduces inflammation in the gut and may improve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.

Both fulvic and humic acid, another equally beneficial organic acid found in humus and shilajit, may be used to improve digestive health. The two acids can together make a combination supplement because humic acid molecules can bind to toxins in the gut and are usually excreted because they are very large molecules. Fulvic acid has a low molecular weight and works at the intracellular level.

What is the recommended dosage for fulvic acid supplements?

There is insufficient information available to recommend specific dosages of fulvic acid. The suggested dosage for liquid products is 12 drops in about 16-20 ounces of filtered water, for powder, one or two tablespoons dissolved in 1 to 2 glasses of water, or one a day if you are taking capsules. Take it once a day, preferably with food, because it is supposed to improve nutrient absorption. Talk to your doctor before taking it and follow the manufacturer's label for precise instructions on how much and when to take it.

Is shilajit the same as fulvic acid?

Shilajit is a sticky black resin found in sedimentary rocks of the Himalayan mountains. One of its components is fulvic acid. Fulvic acid is a chemical compound known as a humic substance, found in decomposed organic matter (humus), soil, and compost. Approximately 15% to 20% of shilajit is fulvic acid.

How can I get fulvic acid naturally?

You can get fulvic acid naturally by including root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets. The amount of fulvic acid you get from these sources may vary depending on the geographic location where they are grown because its composition can vary greatly from region to region.