What are fulvic acids and are they really so good for health

What are fulvic acids

Fulvic acids (FvA) are chemicals that formedWhat Is Fulvic Acid? And Is It Worth the Hype? / Cleveland Clinic during the decomposition of organic material by soil microflora. In other words, when bacteria digest dead plants and animals over time.

Fulvic acids can be present in clay, sand, rocks and earth and depending on the source containJ. Winkler, S. Ghosh. Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes / Journal of diabetes research different amounts of nitrogen and carbon.

About 15-20% of fulvic acid is found in the Himalayan shilajit, or shilajit, an organomineral product that usedE. Wilson, G. v. Rajamanickam, G. P. Dubey. Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine / Ethnopharmacology in traditional Indian medicine as a means to maintain immunity and rejuvenation.

Also countsJ. Winkler, S. Ghosh. Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes / Journal of diabetes research

that VCF have antioxidant and diuretic properties, may reduce inflammation, reduce blood pressure and blood sugar, and when applied topically - disinfect and anesthetize.

Below we will analyze which of these statements have scientific evidence.

Do fulvic acids really help with inflammation?

Overactive immune cells lead to chronic inflammation, which is associated with a list of diseases, including asthma, allergies, eczema, and diabetes.

Several studies on human cells discovered1. R. Junek, R. Morrow, J. I. Schoenherr. Bimodal effect of humic acids on the LPS-induced TNF-alpha release from differentiated U937 cells / Phytomedicine
2. S. Chien, T. Chen, H. Kuo. Fulvic acid attenuates homocysteine‑induced cyclooxygenase‑2 expression in human monocytes / BMC complementary and alternative medicinethat fulvic acid reduces the amount of certain pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, and rendersP. Yamada, H. Isoda, J. K. Han. Inhibitory effect of fulvic acid extracted from Canadian sphagnum peat on chemical mediator release by RBL‑2H3 and KU812 cells / Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry antiallergic action.

Unfortunately, this has not yet been tested in humans. In only one pilot experiment, topical application of a solution with 4.5% VFA reducedJ.R. Snyman, J. Dekker, S.C.K. Malfeld. Pilot study to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of topical oxifulvic acid in atopic volunteers / Drug Development Research the size of redness and blisters after contact with the allergen, and in friendJ. J. Gandy, J. R. Snyman, C. Rensburg. Randomized, parallel‑group, double‑blind, controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbohydrate‑derived fulvic acid in topical treatment of eczema / Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology remedy with 3.5% fulvic acid helped with eczema rashes.

Does Fulvic Acid Support Immunity?

While in some studies fulvic acid suppresses the immune response by reducing inflammation, in others it activates the body's defenses to fight germs.

For example, in one experimentR. Saby, P. Vray, C. E. Rensburg. Carbohydrate‑derived Fulvic acid (CHD‑FA) inhibits Carrageenan‑induced inflammation and enhances wound healing: efficacy and Toxicity study in rats / Drug Development Research in rats, topical application of a VFA cream reduced the size of a staph-infected wound.

And in another fulvic acid increasedI. A. Schepetkin A. I. Khlebnikov, S. Y. Ah. Characterization and biological activities of humic substances from mumie / Journal of agricultural and food chemistry production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in mouse macrophages - cells that destroy bacteria and potentially harmful particles.

Scientists have hypothesized that VPA may modulate the body's response to infections and foreign pathogens by stimulating the immune system. But since the studies so far have only been on animals and in vitro, one can only guess whether it will work in humans.

Can Fulvic Acid Protect Against Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants that can lead to cell dysfunction and death.

Animal studies have shown that VFA supplementation can reduce lipid peroxidation and reduceShikalgar T. S., Naikwade N. S. Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of fulvic acid against isoproterenol induced oxidative damage in rat myocardium / International Research Journal of Pharmacy myocardial injury in rats.

At the same time, in other scientific works, they found that fulvic acid is able to work in the opposite direction - increase1. Dotan Y., Lichtenberg D., Pinchuk I. Lipid peroxidation cannot be used as a universal criterion of oxidative stress / Progress in Lipid Research.
2. Beer A. M., Lukanov J., Sagorchev P. The influence of fulvic and ulmic acids from peat, on the spontaneous contractile activity of muscles smooth / Phytomedicine the frequency of cellular respiration and contraction of smooth muscle, which in the long term may cause more oxidative stress.

Again, no human studies have been conducted.

Can Fulvic Acids Improve Gut Health?

In agriculture, fulvic acids are able to improve the microbial composition of the soil, bind to various minerals and be absorbed by plants.

Scientists have suggested they could help mammals as well, but the only study confirmedGao Y., He J., He Z., et al. Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Sauvage) / Fish & Shellfish Immunology the positive effect of PvC on the intestinal microbiome was carried out on fish.

In one scientific work figured outKunavue N., Lien T. F. Effects of fulvic acid and probiotic on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and immunity of pigs / Journal of Animal Science Advances.that fulvic acid may improve phosphorus and ash absorption in pigs, but whether this would work in primates is unknown.

In a single human experiment, VFA supplementation did not providedKim L. S., Hilli L., Orlowski J., Kupperman J. L., Baral M., Waters R. F. Efficacy of probiotics and nutrients in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a preliminary clinical trial / Digestive Diseases and Sciences benefits for participants with digestive disorders.

Is it safe to take fulvic acids?

As a rule, in experiments, taking PvC did not cause side effects, and analysisT. S. Murbach, R. Glavitsb, J. R. Endres. A toxicological evaluation of a fulvic and humic acids preparation / Toxicology Reports fulvic acid from Canadian lignite showed no toxicity, risk of mutations or oncology.

But at the same time, the supplement cannot be considered safe. Since fulvic acids from different sources can vary greatly in composition, and you do not control the quality of raw materials, there is a risk consumeWhat Is Fulvic Acid? And Is It Worth the Hype? / Cleveland Clinic along with useful substances, heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.

Should You Try Fulvic Acid Supplements?

Despite the potential benefits of fulvic acids, earlyWhat Is Fulvic Acid? And Is It Worth the Hype? / Cleveland Clinic recognize the supplement as useful and safe. It is better to wait until enough research has been done, not only on animals, but also on humans, to determine the dosage and establish control over the quality of raw materials.

If you want to boost your immunity, pay attention to proven and safe ways: giving up bad habits, physical activity and a wholesome healthy diet.