What are the benefits of fulvic acid and what to watch out for?

What molecular beast are we speaking about?

Fulvic acid is an organic component of humus formed in the soil in the process of slow decomposition of plant biomass and minerals. It is a short-chain molecule with low molecular weight which makes it biologically very active, and is soluble in both acid and alkali of the soil and digestive tract. In order to really describe its function, I reveal some chemical depths in the opening paragraphs, which don’t need to frighten you, though. Thanks to this information, scientists were able to put two and two together and now we understand the effects of fulvic acid a bit better - don’t you fear the lion.

Fulvic acid contains many chemically active functional groups, including carboxyles, hydroxyles, carbonyls, phenols, chinons, and semichinons, and thanks to this chemically diverse composition, it participates in the chelation of metal ions - the bond of an organic compound (fulvic acid) to a (metal) cation, giving rise to a chelate. You probably know various dietary supplements in the form of chelates, don’t you? The resulting complex of acid with minerals is protected from damage by digestion, its charge is neutral so it doesn’t harm or irritate the intestine epithelium and passes safely through the intestine wall and the organism to its target cells of different organs, regardless of pH. This means that its bioavailability (the ability of a compound to reach its destination and be used) is a lot higher than in other forms of mineral complexes. Enough about soil and chemical processes that are difficult to comprehend, though. What good is this acid to us?

Through its action in the digestive tract, it helps to protect us against infections and toxins, it has a therapeutic potential in the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases (such as gastric ulcers), diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, supports bone health and hormone regulation, and improves nutrient absorption and systemic immunity. During WWI, an extract with humic acids was even used to prevent infection in wounds. And what kind of inquisitive scientist would I be if I didn’t delve into the molecular ocean of its protective mechanisms?

With this lion guard and helper you will never look sour 

Where does its strength lie?

It helps with electrolyte, nutrient, and trace element absorption

Due to its ability to bind electrolytes, nutrients, and trace minerals, fulvic acid helps with the absorption of these compounds in the body. It binds to the following elements: Cr, Co, Ca, Fe, I, Mg, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Mo, and As [1]. Along with a more effective absorption, its ability to protect against lead or copper toxicity is also being pondered [2] This lion can then become your personal “food taster” willing to fight inner adversaries for you. 

It stimulates the activity of the immune and cardiovascular system

Thanks to the efficient transport of minerals and elements, fulvic acid enhances the capacity of the organism to fight against chronically increased inflammation and disease and thus supports the immune system. Fulvic acid decreases the levels of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which are associated with many chronic and cardiovascular diseases [3, 4]. That is why fulvic acid has been described as cardioprotective and pro-angiogenic which supports the formation of blood capillaries and its potential in therapeutic use for treating respiratory infections is being considered. User experience also indicates its positive effect in the treatment of oral cavity infections. The right dosage, product quality, and individual health condition are all very important factors to take into account.

Besides cardioprotection, humic substances including fulvic acid support the immune system by suppressing hypersensitivity, swelling, and “demonstration” of a transplanted graft against the patient. There is simply no place for a transplanted graft among the physiological “protesters”. 

Humic substances also reduce the C-reactive protein levels in patients with osteoporosis or hay fever. Research has shown that a week-long fulvic acid supplementation lowers allergic reaction to pollen, whereas applying fulvic acid on the skin twice a day for a period of four weeks may alleviate the symptoms of atopical eczema [5, 6]. 

Drugs containing fulvic acid also have the potential to become effective antivirals because in doses which are safe for the cells, they suppress the reproduction of such viruses as SARS-CoV-2 or herpesviruses [7, 8].

It can support brain health and healthier ageing.

Dietary supplements containing fulvic acid are being studied intensively, for example in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. This supplementation in combination with group B vitamins leads to a decrease in tau protein aggregation and the stabilisation of the worsening symptoms of this disease [9, 10]. The multiple actions of fulvic acid support brain health and contribute to slowing down the process of ageing. Let’s put up an ad for the position of a wise and vital queen of the jungle!

It balances gut microbiome and fights against yeast infections.

Fulvic acid binds to an enormous amount of minerals, nutrients, and trace elements, helping to supply necessary building blocks and cofactors to the body and its symbiotic friends. In doing so, it has a positive effect on the gut microbiota composition, absorption, and chronic digestive disorders or diabetes [11]. At this point, it is vital to concentrate on our diet and lifestyle because both these factors significantly affect the microbiota composition, which fulvic acid subsequently supports. We certainly don’t want to support the wrong strains of microorganisms by eating the wrong food, and then feed them to boot! I’m sure you’ll agree it is better to have a well-fed protective lion in the territory, rather than to nourish a viper in your bosom.

Very useful information was brought by a study proving the antifungal activity of fulvic acid against Candida albicans which causes infections of intestinal and vaginal microbiome as well as systemic infections of the whole body. Fulvic acid disrupts its cell membrane, while the yeast does not show resistance to fulvic acid [12]. For clinical use of fulvic acid to treat yeast infections, more scientific studies are needed. Personally, I find this niche in the area of female health and yeast infection very promising and look forward to additional research.

It supports cell activity, has antioxidative properties and reduces fatigue.

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 [13]. Supplementing fulvic acid also helps by binding to heavy metals and toxins in the intestines, reducing their bioavailability, which increases our energy level, stabilises our mood and improves the quality of our sleep Thanks to its ability to 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 [14]. In nothing else, I believe that many of us women will appreciate this since we are infamous for multitasking and overworking. In order to be strong and able to protect its territory, the lion sleeps up to 20 hours per day. Let’s nurture our inner lioness and allow her rest for regeneration, purification, and restoration of energy.

It fights against excess weight.

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 [15]. The lioness can therefore stay lean and always ready for action.

It can help to slow down cancerous growth and increase NO production.

Fulvic acid shows high capability of binding to transferrin which forms part of a certain type of anticancer drugs. Next pharmacological studies could then help formulate medication with an analogue of fulvic acid that will ensure greater precision and efficacy in reaching the target cancerous tissue [16]. The antioxidative properties of preparates with high fulvic acid content was shown through activation of apoptosis (programmed death of unwell or dangerous cells) and suppression of growth of cancer cells in the liver [17]. Apoptosis and the production of anticancer mediators are activated by - among other things - NO production. This is the nitric oxide many of us know for its ability to improve the circulatory system function, thus oxygenating the brain and all other organs [18]. Take a deep breath through the nose and action!

Every lion has sharp teeth and claws

Let’s keep in mind the words of Paracelsus: “The difference between medicine and poison is in the dose.” Here is a list of several potential contraindications. When dosing any product, always adhere to the recommendation of the manufacturer and consult your doctor in case of any health problems. 

In toxicity studies, fulvic acid showed no significant risk. It is safe up to a daily dosage of 1.8 g per adult [19, 20]. Both oral consumption and skin application were found to be safe. The only side effects in oral administration were diarrhoea, headaches, and sore throat which subsided without treatment and are probably caused by a change of pH. Subsequent food intake can help regulate this change [21]. Let’s not forget the fact that no supplement is a magic pill, and by itself cannot cure nor prevent an illness. The cornerstone is always diet, exercise, sleep, mental health, and lifestyle as a whole.

Unfortunately, there are no relevant data regarding health safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the demands of your body on the composition and ratio of nutrients and trace elements change, and these are aspects that fulvic acid affects. Consult all your queries with your doctor.

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. On the other hand, some studies proved the antiinflammatory properties of fulvic acid which, along with its antioxidative and nutritive properties, can help restore balance even in case of these diseases [11]. More studies on this topic are needed, however. Autoimmune diseases are a very complex aggregate of causes and symptoms, differing in each individual. That is why there can never be a single recommendation or a list of risks applicable to everyone. Again, it is strongly recommended to consult taking this supplement with your doctor, focus on careful dosage and observation of effects and changes.

How does fulvic acid interact with medication? Due to the activation of the immune system, people taking immunosuppressants (medication that suppresses the immune system) should be cautious. Among these drugs belong glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or prednisone. Another risk group are anticoagulative drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, heparin, or warfarin. Even though the existing studies do not provide sufficient evidence for clear conclusions, they suggest fulvic acid may affect the levels of thyroid hormones. These studies indicate that the effect on thyroid hormones is always dependent on dosage, structure and ratio of the various humic acids, while it is also affected by diet, animal species, and each individual. Humic acids can act as so-called strumigens - substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormones. The question is whether humic acids do not reduce the bioavailability of iodine by binding to it, but the effect is not very significant, and the results often do not match. Patients taking medicine for thyroid dysfunctions should always proceed with great caution [22]. If you combine these drugs with humic acid supplements, keep the doses as far apart from one another as possible and always consult your doctor.

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 [23]. This disease is very rare and limited to just a few regions in the world. Nevertheless, we should be aware of all these contraindications and never let ourselves believe that we are the only ones who managed to really tame the wild beast. 

Meow ????.

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It’s all about Black Stuff.

Bibliography:

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