Fulvic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound found in soil, plants, and water bodies, is gaining traction in the health and wellness sphere. It's a key component of Shilajit, a tar-like substance from mountainous regions, and is also available as a supplement in liquid or capsule form. Fulvic acid is created during the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the soil. It contains a wealth of beneficial components, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids, and phytochemical compounds. While fulvic acid is often touted for its potential benefits for weight loss, it's essential to understand the broader spectrum of its effects on the body.
What is Fulvic Acid?
Fulvic acid is a group of chemicals that forms when plants and animals break down. It's found in humus (organic matter) of soil, peat, streams, and lakes. It is a naturally occurring organic compound found in soil, plants, and water bodies. It is produced during the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the soil.
Fulvic acid is one component of humus. Over the past several decades, we’ve learned a lot more about how fulvic acids found in dirt can actually improve human gut health and, therefore, immune functions. Fulvic acid and other humic acids are yellow-brown substances found in natural materials. Its structure is made up of aromatic, organic polymers with many carboxyl groups that release hydrogen ions, resulting in an electric charge that helps attract free radicals, heavy metals and other toxins within the body. It has a very high, alkaline pH and is also super small/fine. As a soluble, strong acid, it has a pH equal to about 1. It’s found in nature as a product of microbial metabolism processes.
Fulvic Acid vs. Shilajit: Understanding the Difference
Fulvic acid is a key component of Shilajit, a blackish-brown, tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in mountainous regions, particularly in the Himalayas, Altai Mountains, Caucasus Mountains, and the mountains of Central Asia. While fulvic acid can be extracted from Shilajit, it's also found in other natural sources like soil and plants.
Shilajit has been used therapeutically for centuries in traditional healing practices, including Ayurvedic medicine, and is believed to help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Fulvic acid is believed to be responsible for many of shilajit’s medicinal properties.
Read also: The role of alpha-keto acids in metabolism.
Fulvic acid supplements are typically available in liquid or capsule form and are often combined with minerals like magnesium. Shilajit supplements come in capsule form or as a fine powder that can be added to drinks.
Potential Health Benefits of Fulvic Acid
Fulvic acid is used for many purposes, as it has several health benefits including:
- Antioxidant Properties: Fulvic acid is known for its strong antioxidant activity, fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the body. This helps protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Fulvic acid helps scavenge for free radicals, reducing the levels of inflammation and damage caused by oxidative stress, fulvic acid is a great antioxidative supplement during challenging, stressful periods
- Improved Nutrient Absorption: Fulvic acid enhances the absorption of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It breaks down minerals into a more absorbable form, increasing nutrient intake. Fulvic acid is able to improve how our cells use things like antioxidants and electrolytes, it’s become popular for slowing down aging, improving digestive health and protecting brain function. As an active chemical compound, it works in a way that helps us absorb and use other nutrients better - such as microbiota/probiotics, phytonutrients, fatty acids and minerals.
- Improved Digestion: Fulvic acid influences the microbiome and can possibly improve gut function. It helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Humic acids are beneficial for digestion and improving energy because of their detoxifying abilities. Studies have found that humic acids have ion-selective electrodes that can be used for attracting heavy metals - even for filtering soils and water.
- Enhanced Detoxification: Fulvic acid binds to toxins and heavy metals in the body, facilitating their removal through urine and poop. By promoting detoxification, fulvic acid helps cleanse the body of harmful substances and supports liver and kidney function.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Fulvic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate inflammation and pain associated with various conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Enhanced Energy Levels: Fulvic acid supports cellular energy production by facilitating the transport of nutrients into cells and aiding in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This can lead to increased energy levels, reduced fatigue, and improved physical performance. Preparations with high content of fulvic acid support mitochondrial activity, thus helping the body to produce more energy and defend itself from the chronic fatigue syndrome, for example.
- Balanced pH Levels: Fulvic acid helps regulate pH levels in the body, promoting a slightly alkaline environment which is conducive to optimal health. Balanced pH levels are essential for proper cellular function, enzyme activity, and immune response.
- Immune System Support: Fulvic acid modulates the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infections and diseases. By stimulating immune function, fulvic acid helps the body defend against pathogens and maintain overall health and wellness.
- Skin Health: Fulvic acid has beneficial effects on skin health, including promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving the appearance of scars and blemishes. It can be used for managing inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It also has moisturising and anti-ageing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skin care products.
Fulvic Acid and Weight Loss: Examining the Evidence
The existing animal studies show that fulvic acid intake increases lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue. This is caused by an increase of serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3, a thyroid hormone) and leptin (the “satiety hormone” produced by white adipose tissue). Leptin inhibits storing fat in adipose tissues, supports brown adipose tissue and muscle activity, and activates lipid oxidation in mitochondrias (β-oxidation of fatty acids). Leptin signals to our body: “I am completely sate and full; you can stop eating and start burning energy.” Thyroid hormone T3 increases the number of mitochondrias as well as their lipid oxidation and muscle metabolism. Fulvic acid supports lipolysis without affecting the use and synthesis of fatty acids, reduces the storage of serum triglycerides in the white adipose tissue, and promotes weight-loss
Dosage and Administration
The optimal dosage of fulvic acid supplements can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, health status, and individual needs. Generally, recommended dosages range from 100 to 500 milligrams per day, taken orally. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
Fulvic acid supplements that are made for human consumption can be found in several forms, including liquid form and also as a solid, mineral substance. Fulvic acid is a yellow color and doesn’t have a very appealing taste on its own. There are various brands available today, but shilajit is one ancient supplement used in Ayurvedic medicine that has a lot of research supporting its benefits. Some experts believe that the highest-quality fulvic acid supplements come from New Mexico, as well as parts of Russia, Canada and China. There’s some evince that fulvic acid is more bioavailable when taken in liquid form as opposed to solid or chunk form. Solid fulvic acid must be broken down by the digestive system before the nutrients can be utilized by the cells. Most liquid products come in extract form and require using about 12 drops at a time with 16-20 ounces of filtered water. It’s recommended that you use fulvic acid with filtered water (not tap water). Chlorine interacts with humic acids in a negative way, so always use filtered water if possible. You can take it a half-hour before eating or two hours after eating to improve detox abilities.
Read also: Facial Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
Oral vs. Topical Application: Which is Better?
Both oral supplementation and topical application of fulvic acid can offer health benefits, but they may target different areas of the body. Oral supplementation may provide systemic effects, supporting overall health and wellness, while topical application can target specific skin concerns such as inflammation, wound healing, and anti-ageing. The choice between supplementation and topical application depends on individual preferences and health goals.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
Fulvic acid is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. Too much of fulvic acid may lead to side effects such as:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should avoid fulvic acid, as there is no evidence to know about its safety during these times.
If you are taking the following medications then be cautious, as fulvic acid may interact with them.
- Medications to slow blood clotting. Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant medicines may interact with fulvic acid, which might further slow blood clotting. This combination may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Medications to decrease the immune system. Immunosuppressants may be given after a transplant to decrease the immune system’s activity. If you consume fulvic acid with these medications then it may decrease their effects.
Fulvic acid might slow blood clotting. Taking fulvic acid along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Fulvic acid can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking fulvic acid along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. Fulvic acid affects thyroid hormone levels. Taking fulvic acid with thyroid hormone might interfere with therapy to make thyroid function normal.
Read also: Radiant Skin with Glycolic Acid
People suffering from autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain thyroid diseases) may observe changes in their body when supplementing fulvic acid, as it activates the immune system. This can be overly stimulating in the case of some autoimmune diseases and lead to a worsening of symptoms.
My last warning concerns fulvic acid supplementation together with an existing severe selenium deficiency because together these factors may contribute to the development of Kashin-Beck disease - a disease of bones and joints
Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Fulvic acid is possibly safe when used for up to 7 days. It seems to be well-tolerated. Side effects might include diarrhea, headache, and sore throat. When applied to the skin: Fulvic acid is possibly safe when used for up to 4 weeks.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fulvic acid is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Autoimmune diseases: Fulvic acid might increase the activity of the immune system. This might worsen some autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Kashin-Beck Disease: Fulvic acid in drinking water might increase the risk of developing Kashin-Beck bone disease. It is thought that the risk is greatest in regions where people do not receive enough selenium in their diet.
The Importance of Sourcing and Quality
While moderate doses of fulvic acid and shilajit appear safe, shilajit may contain heavy metals, including arsenic and lead. It’s important to avoid raw or unprocessed shilajit. Shilajit also isn’t monitored for quality or purity by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s important to purchase supplements from trusted brands that are tested by third-party organizations, such as NSF International or United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
If you’re ingesting this from a source that you don’t know how pure it is, you could be ingesting heavy metals like mercury and arsenic,” explains Dr. Bradley. In fact, there’ve been studies that show an increase in lead, mercury and arsenic in Ayurvedic medicines and issues with lead poisoning.