Ever Heard Of Fulvic Acid? Why Should You Know More About It?

Ever looked closely at the black, loose mud, particularly close to the roots of some trees? Or, while on a hike, you must have come across piles of moist, dark, piles of mud, full of twigs and dead plant matter. That is gold! The dead humus matter is a treasure chest of minerals, salts, microbes, and a hero ingredient called Fulvic acid.

Fulvic acid has everything your body needs. It is a complex mixture of minerals, microbes, antioxidants, anti-aging, and anticancer compounds. And that’s why our ancestors named fulvic acid sources as ‘Elixirs of life.’ Don’t believe me? Put your skeptical spectacles on and start scrolling down. You are in for a shock!

Table Of Contents

• What Is Fulvic Acid?
• What Are The Benefits Of Fulvic Acid?
• Are There Any Side Effects Or Risks Associated?
• What Are The Sources Of Fulvic Acid?

What Is Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic acid is an acid created in minimal amounts by the action of millions of beneficial microbes working on decaying plant matter in a soil environment with adequate oxygen.

It is a member of a bigger family of humic compounds called humic acids. Fulvic acid has low molecular weight and is biologically very active.

Thanks to its light weight (about 2 kiloDaltons or kDa), fulvic acid can and should readily bond minerals and elements into its molecular structure. This causes the minerals and elements to dissolve and become mobilized fulvic complexes (1).

Another beautiful property of fulvic acid is that it can cross (permeate) cell walls and membranes, carrying the dissolved nutrients. This is why plant roots and cells readily absorb high amounts of fulvic acid and maintain it in their structure.

It has been discovered that these fulvic acid complexes are absolutely critical for plants to be healthy. Thus, fulvic acid is one of Nature’s most potent organic electrolytes.

Contemporary research brought to light the importance of fulvic acid, its applications in human bodies, and simpler extraction procedures. The objective of such studies is to exploit the nutraceutical value of fulvic acid and its complexes.

There are several cross-species studies, which claim that fulvic acid, a grainy component of humus, is no less than a life-saving and age-reversing formula. Need evidence?

Read on to know why should you give fulvic acid all this importance.

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What Are The Benefits Of Fulvic Acid?

1. Boosts Energy And Endurance

The yogis of India attribute many ‘magical’ properties to fulvic acid and its natural reservoir – shilajit.

Along with curing many ailments, this principle humic ingredient can boost your energy, metabolism, and endurance.

Fulvic acid triggers anabolic reactions in your body. It utilizes glucose and similar alternate sources to produce larger molecules that aid muscle building.

Also, because fulvic acid has high cell permeability, it can effectively transport nourishment (particularly, minerals) and large molecules to the target tissues. Thus, it boosts your metabolism, energy, and, ultimately, endurance (2).

2. Exhibits Anti-aging Effects

Traditionally, tribes in India and Nepal have used fulvic acid-based ingredients for longevity. Fulvic acid has incredible physical properties – like water solubility. It is soluble in water at a given pH or any chemical environment.

It can deliver minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to your bones and muscles. It can hence keep diseases like osteoarthritis at bay.

Your skin would also look younger and clearer if you use cosmetics rich in fulvic acid. This could happen because of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capacity of fulvic acid (3).

3. Possesses Anti-Inflammatory And Vulnerary Properties

In rat studies, humic substances like fulvic acid have shown to reduce inflammation and wounds. The study has evidence that a daily dose of up to 1.8 g of fulvic acid is safe and inhibits the production of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and various pro-inflammatory chemicals (4).

Due to these properties, fulvic acid offers extensive cardioprotection from atherosclerosis and hypertension. Disorders including diabetes mellitus, arthritis, GERD, respiratory tract infections, and dementia can be treated effectively with regulated doses of fulvic acid (5).

4. Manages Digestion And GI Tract Issues

One of the most common problems seen at high altitudes is gastrointestinal distress. This includes lack of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Fulvic acid can decrease acid-pepsin secretion and cell shedding and also act as ulcer protective (6).

In a 2017 study on loach, fulvic acid promoted the growth of Lactobacillus while inhibiting Serratia, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, and Edwardsiella species in the intestines. This proves that fulvic acid can enhance the digestion and absorption of nutrients while maintaining gut health (7).

For something found in the rock and mud, fulvic acid has surprisingly important benefits. Don’t you agree?

But let me also tell you this. A lot is being written and said about the safety of fulvic acid and similar humic acids.

How true and valid are those concerns? Let’s find out.

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Are There Any Side Effects Or Risks Associated?

As an ingredient, fulvic acid has not been studied well in depth. However, there are many findings about its major source in nature – Shilajit.

Shilajit is safe for human consumption uptil 3 g/kg. Since it contains many other minerals, bioactive compounds, and humic acids, apart from fulvic acid, shilajit intake needs to be strictly monitored.

There is a need for extensive research on the adverse effects caused by fulvic acid. So, we recommend you to consult your physician before taking the plunge.

Let’s say the doctor gave you a heads-up on having fulvic acid. Where will you search for it?

Move on to the next section, right away!

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What Are The Sources Of Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic acid is an acid created in extremely small amounts by the action of millions of beneficial microbes, working on decaying plant matter in a soil environment with adequate oxygen.

So, it is obvious that you will be able to find pure fulvic acid complexes only in nature – the soil, to be precise.

But, the good news is, there are methods to extract fulvic acid from the soil. After a series of chemical treatments and biophysical downstream processing, you can get organic fulvic acid supplements.

With the current advancements in technology, there are up to 60% concentrated ingestible fulvic acid extracts available in the markets. You can buy them here.

In A Nutshell…

Fulvic acid has been discovered to be one of the most important natural miracles related to life altogether. Due to its low molecular weight and other biochemical properties, it is used as a primary transport vehicle of all nutrients.

Fulvic acid is rich in over 80 minerals and bioactive compounds, which make an excellent dietary additive. But, due to practical issues, most trials to synthesize it artificially have failed.

So, you can opt for organic fulvic acid supplements or natural sources like Shilajit to tap all the goodness of debris.

We strongly recommend you discuss this supplement with a renowned physician. Consume the supplement as per the guidelines given by the manufacturer and observe how your body responds to fulvic acid.

We’d love it if you could share your experiences with us. You can also send your suggestions, comments, and feedback about this read using the comments section below.

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References

1. “Fulvic Acid: A Substance Critical To Human Health” Academia.
2. “Shilajit Moomiyo also called Mumiyo…” Academia
3. “Shilajit An Unique Drug Of Ayurveda” International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, Academia.
4. “The Antiinflammatory Properties of Humic…” Phytotherapy Research, US National Library of Medicine.
5. “Fulvic acid attenuates homocysteine-induced…” BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
6. “Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems” International Journal of Ayurveda Research, US National Library of Medicine.
7. “Effect of fulvic acid on growth performance…” Fish & Shellfish Immunology, US National Library of Medicine.

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Author

Swathi HandooHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Swathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Swathi Handoo