Fulvic acid is a complex natural compound with many known health benefits, especially for treating nutrient deficiencies and fighting inflammation. Because of this, a lot of really terrible brands of fulvic acid supplements have appeared. Some of these don’t really contain as much fulvic acid as they imply or are complete gimmicks.
Here’s what you need to know to choose the right fulvic acid supplement along with the best fulvic acid supplements (there’s actually only 3 that are worth your money).
Also read: What Is Fulvic Acid?
How Are Fulvic Acid Supplements Made?
Fulvic acid used in supplements is usually extracted from shale rock deposits. The extraction process involves flushing the rock with a potassium solution and then concentrating the fulvic acid. It is also possible to extract fulvic acid from coal, dirt, compost or even manure, but this fulvic acid is usually meant for agricultural use and not human consumption. (1, 2, 3)
Fulvic Acid vs. Humic Acid Supplements
Fulvic acid and humic acid are both made when microbes break down organic material. Both have health benefits but, of the two, fulvic acid is considered to have more health benefits – mostly because it is better-absorbed by the body and has a higher oxygen content.
- Fulvic acid: soluble in water at all pHs, light molecular weight, high oxygen content, yellowish in color
- Humic acid: soluble in alkaline water, mid molecular weight, mid oxygen content, dark brown color
Why Do Some Supplements Contain Fulvic and Humic Acid?
The fulvic acid extraction process will also extract humic acid. Instead of taking the extra step of isolating the fulvic acid, most supplement manufacturers just leave the humic acid in with the fulvic acid. So, you get a supplement which contains both substances.
Good brands will do lab tests and list exactly how much of each you are getting. Cheaper brands just list something like “fulvic/humic acid blend” on their ingredients. These products could mostly contain humic acid, which means they won’t produce as good of results.
Fulvic Acid vs. Shilajit
Fulvic acid is the name of the chemical compound known to provide many health benefits. Shilajit is a natural substance which contains a very high amount of fulvic acid. Because shilajit must be found in nature, it tends to be much pricier than fulvic acid, which can be created in a lab setting. Both can provide health benefits though.
Read more about the differences between fulvic acid and shilajit here. Also see the main health benefit’s of shilajit.
Signs of a Quality Fulvic Acid Supplement
When choosing a fulvic acid supplement, don’t just look at the number of positive reviews (these are easy to fake or manipulate). Instead, make sure you are paying attention to these signs of a quality fulvic acid.
Lists Exact Amount of Fulvic Acid
A good brand of fulvic acid will list exactly how much fulvic acid their product contains. Cheap, less-reputable brands will list the combined amount of fulvic acid and humic acid. You can’t be sure exactly how much of each is in the product.
Warning: Be on the lookout for brands which contain “fulvic acid solution.” For example, Trace Minerals Research brand claims to contain 250mg of “fulvic acid solution” per serving. This does NOT mean it contains 250mg of fulvic acid. The solution could contain just a tiny portion of actual fulvic acid.
Third Party Tested
Fulvic acid is extracted from natural materials like rocks or dirt. Depending the source, you could end up with harmful substances in with the fulvic acid. In 2021, for example, the FDA even advised consumers not to use fulvic acid from Black Oxygen Organics because of high levels of lead and arsenic. Some extraction methods also use chemicals which could end up in the final product.
A good brand of fulvic acid will do third-party testing (and provide test results upon request) to ensure there are no dangerous byproducts in the supplement.
Doesn’t Contain Zeolite
Fulvic acid is sometimes added with zeolite. These products are often marketed as “detox supplements.” While zeolite does have some benefits, it can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb minerals. Thus, it could prevent you from absorbing the nutrients in fulvic acid.
Resources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fulvic-acid/,
https://jhpr.birjand.ac.ir/article_1755_3454daa0072145a80a5ca488334aa059.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169131711001256
https://www.innate-nutrition.com/blog/zeolite-supplements-why-i-dont-recommend-them,