6 Fulvic Acid Benefits | Dr. Berg

Fulvic acid is released during the decomposition of plant and animal matter, enriching the soil and supporting plant growth. 

In addition, this organic compound offers potential health advantages due to its ability to bind to toxins, support skin health, and enhance immune functions.

Discover six impressive fulvic acid benefits and learn how to incorporate this novel supplement into your wellness routine. 

What is fulvic acid?

Fulvic acid is a complex organic compound that occurs naturally in soil, water, compost, and sewage. It’s generated through the microbial breakdown of decomposing plant and animal matter, contributing to soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

It belongs to a group of compounds known as humic acids, which also include humic acid and humin.

Each humic acid varies in solubility and molecular weight, with fulvic acid being the smallest and most soluble of the group. This high solubility allows fulvic acid to effectively penetrate plant cells and facilitate the transport of nutrients such as amino acids, minerals and vitamins. 

Humic substances are vital for maintaining fertile, nutrient-rich soil by participating in the nutrient cycle and improving soil structure. They’re also essential for supporting healthy plant growth and are widely used in agricultural settings to boost soil fertility.

Additionally, fulvic and humic acids stabilize soil pH, enhance water retention, and supply energy to soil microorganisms. These microbes, in turn, break down decaying matter, releasing fulvic acids and enhancing the soil's nutrient content.

Because of its unique chemical and biological properties, fulvic acid offers potential health benefits for humans and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating and anti-aging effects. 

Watch the video below to discover the impressive health benefits of fulvic acid.

6 benefits of fulvic acid

Fulvic acid has gained recognition for its health benefits due to its distinctive chemical properties and role in enhancing nutrient absorption. 

Its broad spectrum of effects, ranging from supporting detoxification to boosting gut health, highlights fulvic acid’s potential as a valuable tool in promoting a healthy body. 

Here are six benefits of fulvic acid. 

1. Supports healthy skin

Fulvic acid is a chelator, meaning it binds to nutrients and helps them to easily pass through cell membranes. 

This enhances nutrient bioavailability, allowing the body to quickly absorb and utilize them, promoting healthier skin by improving hydration and supporting overall skin repair and regeneration.

Research published in the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences found that fulvic acids’ chelating properties can help improve the efficacy of skin care formulations.

The study highlights fulvic acid’s potential to improve skin whitening, reduce wrinkles, and have overall anti-aging effects, making it a promising ingredient for cosmetic products.

In addition, evidence published in Frontiers in Microbiology reveals that carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid offers promising benefits for skin health due to its antifungal properties and ability to reduce inflammation.

2. Enhances detoxification

Fulvic acid helps detoxify the body by binding to heavy metals and other toxins, which facilitates their removal. This prevents harmful substances from accumulating and potentially causing damage, reducing the risk of toxicity-related issues.

“Humic and fulvic acids are excellent compounds for cleansing the body,” says Dr. Berg. “They not only help eliminate toxins but also protect against the adverse effects they can have on the gut microflora.”

Due to its powerful detoxification effects, regular intake of fulvic acid could help improve liver health, strengthen immune functions, and promote overall health and wellness.

3. May promote gut health

According to research published in Frontiers in Physiology, dietary fulvic acid has shown the potential to support gut health by promoting digestive enzyme activity.

Additionally, a study published in Fish & Shellfish Immunology found that fulvic acid supplementation successfully modulated the gut microbiota in loach fish, increasing concentrations of beneficial Lactobacillus species.

By enhancing microbial gut diversity and maintaining a balanced microbial environment, fulvic acid may improve nutrient absorption and support gastrointestinal health. 

4. Provides antioxidant support

Fulvic acid contains phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage linked to chronic inflammation.

The combination of fulvic acids' antioxidant activity and ability to support nutrient absorption may play a critical role in preventing premature aging and protecting against chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. 

5. Strengthens immune defenses

Fulvic acid may enhance immune responses by modulating the functioning of immune cells and supporting the body’s natural defense systems. 

It’s believed that fulvic acid helps activate and regulate pathways that improve the body's ability to respond to infections and disease, making it a crucial ally in maintaining health. 

A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research highlights fulvic acid’s regulatory effects on the body’s immune response, highlighting its potential to minimize the risk of imbalanced immune reactions while protecting against pathogens.

6. Promotes cognitive health

Research suggests that fulvic acid may play a vital role in supporting brain health and enhancing cognitive function. 

Evidence published in Pharmaceuticals showed that fulvic acid inhibits aggregation of tau oligomers, a critical factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Because of its benefits for brain health, fulvic acid may improve cognitive functions and potentially help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system.

The best sources of fulvic acid

Mushrooms, root vegetables, such as carrots, beetroots, parsnips, and turnips, and plant foods grown in natural water sources, including seaweed and kelp, are some of the best food sources of fulvic acid.

However, the amount of fulvic acid in these foods can vary significantly. For more consistent and higher doses, it’s recommended to take fulvic acid supplements, which are widely available in capsule form, as liquid extracts, or as a topical treatment.

Another popular source of fulvic acid is shilajit, a resin derived from high-altitude rocks. Shilajit contains approximately 15 to 20 percent fulvic acid, along with essential minerals and bioactive compounds.

Shilajit is packed with beneficial substances, including dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), which provide antioxidant and metabolic support, fulvic acid, and phenolics, contributing to its diverse therapeutic properties.

Typically harvested from the Himalayan mountains, shilajit has been a staple in natural medicine for over 3,000 years, celebrated for its impressive therapeutic benefits.

According to research published in Nutraceuticals, Shilajit offers a range of physiological and pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-aging, metabolic-enhancing, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, antibacterial, antiarthritic, and immunomodulatory properties.

Safety and side effects

While fulvic acid offers a range of health benefits and is generally considered safe, some individuals should be cautious when taking fulvic acid. 

Fulvic acid can slow blood clotting, making fulvic acid supplementation unsuitable for those with clotting disorders or individuals taking blood thinners.

In addition, evidence published in the European Journal of Biochemistry suggests that fulvic acid disturbs processing pathways of essential proteins such as collagen. This may contribute to joint and skeletal issues in susceptible individuals.

To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s crucial to discuss the use of fulvic acids with a healthcare provider. 

Key takeaways

Fulvic acid, derived from the decomposition of organic matter, has a unique chemical composition associated with various health advantages.

Fulvic acid benefits include enhancing nutrient absorption, aiding in detoxification, boosting skin health, and providing antioxidant protection. 

It may also help strengthen the immune system and cognitive functions, making it a potential tool for promoting overall health and supporting mental sharpness.

FAQ

1. What are the top fulvic acid benefits?

The top fulvic acid benefits include enhanced nutrient absorption, improved gut and skin health, better detoxification, immune system support, antioxidant protection, and brain health.

2. What does fulvic acid do for your body?

As a natural chelator, fulvic acid helps improve nutrient absorption and supports the body’s detoxification pathways. It has also been found to act as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune function, and may reduce inflammation.

3. Who should not take fulvic acid?

Individuals who have blood clotting issues and those who are taking prescription medications should consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating a fulvic acid supplement into their routine.

4. Does fulvic acid help detox the body?

Yes, fulvic acid assists in detoxification by binding with toxins and heavy metals, which facilitates their safe and effective removal from the body.

5. How can I get fulvic acid? 

Fulvic acid can be obtained through dietary sources such as root vegetables, sea kelp, and seaweed or as a supplement in either liquid or capsule form. 

Fulvic acid is also naturally present in shilajit resin, a traditional herbal remedy collected from high-altitude rocks that contains a high concentration of fulvic acid.  

6. What is fulvic acid extracted from?

Fulvic acid is extracted from the decomposition of organic matter found in soil, peat, and certain bodies of water. It’s also present in shilajit, a resin obtained from high-altitude rocks.

Sources

1. https://www.academia.edu/33841154/Development_of_functional_nourishing_cream

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22479260/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10102811/ 

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28089895/ 

5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2018/5391014 

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10383824/ 

7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxi

8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1662604/