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

Fulvic acid is a naturally-occurring compound that's present in certain foods and shilajit — a supplement that has been used for centuries as folk medicine. Fulvic acid is a compound found in sewage, soils, and compost and it reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, and promotes brain and gut health.

Fulvic acid is a naturally-occurring compound that’s present in certain foods and shilajit — a supplement that has been used for centuries as folk medicine. Recent research has shown that both elements have dozens of therapeutic benefits, such as promoting brain function and reducing inflammation. Here’s what you need to know.

Fulvic acid is a compound found in sewage, soils, and compost, where organic matter is decomposed. It forms part of a broader set of elements called "humic substances," which also includes humic acid and humin. Once extracted, fulvic acid can be processed into liquid or capsule form.

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, fulvic acid should be thoroughly purified to avoid arsenic and other harmful compounds in the final product.

Fulvic acid is sometimes found on vegetables that have been grown organically. The best natural sources of fulvic acid 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. Instead, most people take a fulvic acid extract or shilajit to up their daily intake of this compound.

Shilajit is a dark substance secreted by the sedimentary rocks of certain mountain ranges. For example, shilajit from the Himalayas has gained substantial popularity as a supplement for athletes. Yet, it’s also sought for many other uses, such as being an anti-inflammatory.

Not many people know that these therapeutic properties come from fulvic acid, which composes about 20% of shilajit. It can also treat the conditions that call for fulvic acid — especially chronic inflammatory diseases. Still, the amount of fulvic acid in shilajit 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 — yet, 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. However, keep in mind that there are only a few studies on humans, so the effects may vary between people.

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 a herbal remedy. While it’s unclear how many of these benefits are true, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory for centuries.

Boosts immunity

Some literature suggests that fulvic acid can enhance and trigger the immune system while ensuring its proper function. For example, it can help reduce a wound's size while also helping combat eventual infections. Yet, 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. Namely, studies have shown that it can 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 that fulvic acid positively impacts your gut by improving the flora and your ability to absorb nutrients. Yet, keep in mind that these benefits appear only after long-term use — in a study, it took two months before a significant change in the gut showed up.

Other benefits

While research is still ongoing, both fulvic acid and shilajit have shown promise in many other therapeutic benefits. These are some potential health benefits of these two compounds.

• 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 that these symptoms will usually resolve on their own after a short period. 

For example, when using too much fulvic acid, you may experience:

• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Soreness in the throat

Another thing to keep in mind when taking fulvic acid, 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 it 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 HIV. 

Still, research on fulvic acid is limited, so a safe dosage is yet to be determined. Furthermore, experts advise against its use by pregnant women and children, as it’s unclear if fulvic acid is safe for them.

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 as a topical, 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.

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.