Fulvic acid belongs to a family of organic acids that are naturally a part of humus, a part of the soil. You can find it in soil, marine sediments, sewage, and in compost.
It’s one of the most nutritious layers of the earth and serves as food for plants, since it provides nutrients to all their cells. From these natural substances, either from humus or marine sediments, you get a food supplement, which fulvic acid is known for.
Can it benefit human health? Is everyone able to take it? Is it safe? These and many other questions are common doubts. Therefore, we’ll explain what we know, and its health effects.
Fulvic acid and its potential uses
Fulvic acids are a mixture of organic acids and can have different compositions. They are formed from the decomposition of organic matter (branches, leaves, trunks, etc.) that fall to the ground. Then, fungi and microorganisms break them down.
In the Himalayas, this process gave rise to Shilajit, a compound common in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Hindu medicine). Now, it’s starting to become more common in the West.
Thanks to its components, it benefits our bodies in a few different ways. You could take this supplement for these conditions and situations:
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Allergies,
- Some types of cancer,
- Respiratory tract infections,
- Improve sports performance.
Health Benefits of Fulvic Acid
Although there are studies that support it, more research is needed to prove its effects on human health. Also, we need to know more about its side effects and dosages. For the time being, studies show some different benefits.
1. Anti-inflammatory ability
This might be one of the most beneficial health effects.
Inflammatory states have been linked to the beginning of many chronic diseases. In fact, some of them are increasing day by day in Western societies.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help with ailments like allergies, asthma, or eczema as it significantly reduces symptoms. However, although the results are promising, researchers need to conduct more studies to confirm these positive effects.
2. Immunomodulatory action
Fulvic acid has been shown to be able to activate cells in the immune system. This lets us protect ourselves from the harmful action of bacteria and other pathogens.
3. Antioxidant property
Fulvic acid’s antioxidant action can help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are a series of harmful compounds. Our bodies can generate them, or they can also affect us from the outside.
They can hurt lots of body tissues, causing cells to malfunction and helping degenerative diseases form.
When there are too many of these oxidative compounds for our antioxidant mechanisms to handle, an external supplement like fulvic acid can help to stop these harmful reactions.
4. Possible protection of brain function
Alzheimer’s is a disease that gets worse over time. One strategy to prevent brain problems is to improve your diet and take supplements, along with B vitamins.
In this sense, some studies, like one published in the Archives of Medical Research, showed positive results in patients with incipient Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Improvement of blood lipids
Fulvic acid helps lower the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol (considered bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood. In addition, it also helps increase the levels of good cholesterol. Then, all of this can lead to better cardiovascular system health.
6. Improves athletic performance
This is clear from a study published recently in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition. Results after 8 weeks of supplementation showed increased testosterone and increased collagen production in healthy men. There was an increase in muscle mass and strength, and a decrease in fatigue.
Precautions and possible side effects
Like any dietary supplement, you should take fulvic acid with caution. It’s important to always get a prescription or recommendation from a health professional, especially if you have any conditions or take other medications. You shouldn’t take it if you:
- Have an autoimmune disease.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, since there’s no evidence of its safety.
It’s important to follow the dosage and frequency from your doctor or what it says on the bottle. Higher doses or taking it more frequently doesn’t mean it’ll benefit you more. Instead, it could cause side effects like diarrhea, stomach pain, or headaches.
Finally, you need to make sure that the products you get are regulated and comply with health and safety regulations. Some low-quality supplements could contain traces of heavy metals, arsenic, or other compounds that are harmful to health, which could cause some problems.
Fulvic acid: a new natural supplement
This organic compound provides minerals for the soil, and can also be a supplement for humans. Therefore, ongoing studies are investigating all the properties of fulvic acid to see how we can use it in health care.
