Humic acid

Related Terms

Concentrated fulvic acid, fulvic acid powder, humic acid, Nordic fulvic acid, organic humic acid, oxifulvic acid, peat, shilajeet, shilajit, Suwannee river fulvic acid.
Note: Due to similarities with fulvic acid, humic acid is discussed in this monograph; however, the focus is on fulvic acid.

Background

Fulvic acids are a type of humic acid, a product of decomposed organic matter. Fulvic acids make up humic substances found in soil, decayed vegetation, coal, streams, lakes, and oceans. Fulvic acids are more commonly found in water, whereas humic acids are more commonly found in soil. Fulvic acid is a yellow to yellow-brown substance.
Fulvic acid is thought to be made by microbial sources but appears to lack life-sustaining or energy-providing properties. Fulvic acid is of interest as a nutritional supplement. It may be found in a liquid as a part of mineral mixtures. Evidence in support of fulvic acid for any use is lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


The treatment of cretinism (stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated deficiency of thyroid hormones) with sodium fulvate has been discussed. Further details are pending.

 C


The treatment of cretinism (stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated deficiency of thyroid hormones) with sodium fulvate has been discussed. Further details are pending.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
One 250-milligram capsule of fulvic acid may be taken by mouth 1-2 times daily with a meal or as directed by a healthcare provider.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Fulvic acid may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Because fulvic acid contains estrogen-like chemicals, the effects of other agents believed to have estrogen-like properties may be altered.
Fulvic acid may also interact with agents for cancer or dementia, agents that alter immune function, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, antiprions, antivirals, arsenic, beta-blockers, hormonal agents, musculoskeletal agents, and thyroid hormones.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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