Fulvic acid has been proven to increase energy levels through a number of mechanisms.

Boosting energy starts with the mitochondria, which are small organelles within cells that fuel our energy levels. Mitochondria are found within the nervous system, muscle tissue, brain, gut, heart and many other areas of the body. Mitochondria take oxygen, as well as other nutrients, and produce energy from these substances.

Energy is stored as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which the body uses to carry out a number of processes in the body [1]. More ATP means more energy, which is why athletes take a supplement called creatine, proven to help increase ATP and subsequently increase energy levels. Research has shown that shilajit (which contains fulvic acid) attenuates chronic fatigue symptoms, most likely through maintaining mitochondrial function and integrity [2]. Fulvic acid has been shown to deliver more of the key nutrients to the mitochondria, and increases the uptake of oxygen.

Fulvic acid also helps to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance in cells. A healthy electrolyte balance helps to increase the flow of electrons, which the mitochondria utilize as building blocks for creating energy [3]. Fulvic acid will help prime your body to create more energy at a more efficient rate, and therefore minimize fatigue, leading to an increase in mental acuity, physical performance and endurance.

2 Strengthens immunity

Your immunity is largely dictated by the food you consume. The gut is the primary center for your immune system. When your gut is healthy, your immune system tends to be healthy. Therefore, the food that you consume affects both the health of your gut and your immune system.

Conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and leaky gut leave your body vulnerable to disease due to the health of your gut being compromised. Fulvic acid supplementation can help to restore your immunity by restoring your digestive health. Research has also shown that fulvic acid is anti-microbial, which may further help to protect the body against infectious disease [4, 5, 6].

3 Increases cognitive function and decreases the risk of age-related cognitive diseases

There is emerging research showing that fulvic acid has nootropic properties [7].

A nootropic is a substance which can help increase markers of intelligence and cognitive performance, such as working memory and one’s ability to learn and retain information. One study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2011 concluded that fulvic acid has a range of antioxidant properties [8].

Researchers stated that fulvic acid has the potential to improve and protect cognitive impairments, such as those which fall under the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease causes the blockage of other neurons from making connections. This eventually leads to memory loss, dementia, overall confusion and other debilitating symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused primarily by the malfunction of proteins which causes the entanglement of neurons (also known as protein aggregation) [9, 10]. Protein aggregation is what leads to the inability for the brain to form new connections, which leads to the gradual cognitive degeneration experienced by those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Fulvic acid was shown to help untangle these neurofibrillary tangles, shortening their length. This result is a promising sign that fulvic acid may aid in the prevention and amelioration of Alzheimer’s disease.

If improving your cognition, and preventing the early onset of debilitating brain disorders sounds appealing, then fulvic acid should be an essential part of your supplementation routine.

4 Increases nutrient and supplement absorption

Fulvic acid helps your body absorb more nutrients by increasing cell permeability.

In order for cells to effectively absorb nutrients, they require electrolytes in order to allow for the flow of ions. Fulvic acid is high in electrolytes. According to research, fulvic acids (made up of very small sized molecules) are comprised of highly active hydrogen, carbon and oxygen molecules which easily pass through cells membranes [11]. The strong charge of fulvic acid helps increase the absorption of key nutrients and vitamins, both from the food you eat and the nutritional supplements you take. One study looked at the effectiveness of shilajit (which contains fulvic acid) and is effect on iron absorption.

Researchers observed that rats who were given 500 mg of shilajit had higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells, compared to the group who didn’t consume any. These results confirmed that the shilajit helped to increase iron levels [12].

5 May help with high blood sugar, diabetes and obesity

Global obesity rates are higher than ever. In today’s world, people eat more food, and move less. This is primarily the result of our sedentary lifestyles and easy access to calorically dense foods. One-third of people in the United States are either prediabetic or type 2 diabetic.

This concerning statistic is a direct reflection of the sharp increase in obesity over the last few decades. The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is still being debated. Most researchers agree that it’s caused by the overconsumption of calories. Many researchers also agree that type 2 diabetes is further exacerbated by a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Research has shown that fulvic acid can decrease hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in diabetic rats [13].

Other research shows that fulvic acid can increase antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the beta cells of the pancreas [14]. A study from the Journal of Medicinal Food found that obese individuals who used pure shilajit responded better to exercise those who didn’t [15].

The results on fulvic acid, blood sugar, exercise and obesity are promising. However, these results do not mean fulvic acid is a viable replacement for a healthy diet and exercise program. Rather, this research suggests that the mechanisms associated with fulvic acid, blood sugar, exercise and obesity, make it one of the best supplements to combine with a healthy diet and exercise program [16].

6 Lowers free-radical damage and acts as a powerful antioxidant

When oxygen molecules are split into individual atoms they have unpaired electrons. These atoms then become free radicals, which are unstable and are pulled towards other atoms or molecules with the intention of bonding to them. When this process continues chronically, it is called oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative stress causes damage to cells which leads to an increased risk of a range of diseases, as well as premature aging and skin damage such as wrinkles.

Free radicals are simply a by-product of the body’s chemical processes, yet are essential to life. Free radicals are naturally occurring in the body, and paradoxically, they play a role in fighting against disease. Free radicals supply energy to the body, as well as play a role in regulating hormone function. Free radicals become problematic when they are too many of them [17].

There are a number of factors in our modern environment which exacerbate oxidative damage, such as being exposed to excessive UV light exposure, consuming too much processed foods, smoking, as well as a a scarcity of nutrient-dense foods [18]. Consuming antioxidants (present in many fruits and vegetables) is one way to decrease oxidative damage and slow aging.

Fulvic acid is also a great way to fight the effects of free radical damage, as well as to clear the body of compounds which can contribute to this problem. Fulvic acid has a very high ORAC rating. ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity [19]. The higher the ORAC rating is, the higher the antioxidant effects. A study published in the Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment concluded that the antioxidant properties of fulvic acid support the idea that fulvic acid should be used in pharmaceuticals as an accessible source of natural antioxidants [20].

7 Supports a healthy gut and microbiome

Research has made it clear that poor gut health is the backbone of inflammation and many diseases [21]. There is an ancient substances called shilajit which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years. This ancient medicine originated in India and is still used in traditional medicinal practices in many parts of Asia.

Shilajit, which contains fulvic acid, has been used primarily to improve gut and digestive health, as well as immune-based conditions (which predominantly stem from compromised gut health). One common condition that fulvic acid can help to treat is leaky gut. Leaky gut is defined by excessive permeability of the gut, leading to inflammation, compromised immunity, chronic inflammation and various other autoimmune reactions. There is emerging evidence that fulvic acid has a lot of therapeutic potential to improve gut based diseases [22].

Another factor which defines whether the gut is healthy is the ratio of good to bad bacteria. While bad bacteria will always exist in the gut, too much bad bacteria causes a host of problems. Introducing fulvic acid into your diet as a supplement can help to increase the ratio of good bacteria in your gut, and therefore reduce symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea and food sensitivities. The alleviation of these symptoms can help to improve diseases such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

8 Improves muscle function and increases testosterone

Did you know that shilajit was officially used by the USSR, as well as their space and Olympic teams as a means to improve workout recovery and minimize weakness?

Fulvic acid has been shown to be a great way to improve your recovery rate after a workout, as well as increase overall muscle strength and endurance. One way in which fulvic acid can help to improve physical performance is by replenishing electrolytes after a workout. This helps to hydrate your muscles and prevent cramps.

Because fulvic acid helps to increase mitochondrial function and increases the production of ATP, this leads to an increase in physical performance – specifically with regards to strength and explosiveness. The increase in ATP is ideal for athletes or a recreational gym goers.

Another way that fulvic acid can improve physical performance and muscular strength is through its effect on the endocrine system. One study found that men between 45-55 who used shilajit for 90 days experienced a significant increase in testosterone [23].

Testosterone is the primary male hormone present in both men and women and is responsible for muscle hypertrophy (growth), maintaining a low and healthy body fat percentage, as well as improving overall physical performance. The combined increase in ATP through increased mitochondrial efficiency and the increase in testosterone will work synergistically to improve recovery, muscle hypertrophy and performance.

9 Naturally detoxifies and chelates heavy metals

Humic acids are a natural form of chelation therapy. A chelate is defined as a compound which is bounded to a central metal atom. Fulvic acid acts as a natural and non-invasive form of chelate therapy, and helps to remove dangerous heavy metals from the body. Humic acids contain carboxylate and phenolates, which give humic acids the ability to act as natural chelates [24].

Research has shown that fulvic acids act as a potential mitigator of toxic metal absorption, as seen by reducing toxic metal agents in water [25]. One reason why fulvic acid is so powerful for both digestion and energy levels is due to its ability to detoxify the body. Consuming humic acids helps to bind and break down toxins and metals which are consumed through one’s diet. These toxins and metals can also make their way into the body through other environmental pollutants, such as household products and air pollution.

10 Helps to decrease inflammation

Research has confirmed that fulvic acid can decrease proinflammatory markers [26]. Chronic inflammation is one of the key driving factors of disease. Chronic inflammation simply describes a range of illnesses which cause and accompany inflammation for a prolonged period of time. While inflammation is a natural and healthy process in the body in acute bursts, chronic inflammation will cause pain, discomfort, and worst of all, increase one’s chances of developing a range of deadly diseases. Because fulvic acid helps to ease inflammation, it is therefore likely that it will help to decrease pain associated with inflammation, such as joint pain, arthritis, headaches, migraines and other muscle pains.

The high electrolyte content of fulvic acid also helps reduce swelling and decreases inflammation. Research has confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of humic substances. A mini review published in 2015 concluded that the antiinflammatory action of humate (the potassium salt of humic acid) helps to inhibit the release of inflammatory-related cytokines [27]. Cytokines are a number of different substances which are secreted by cells of the immune system which affect other cells.

There are a wide variety of cytokines. Some cytokines help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, while other cytokines (i.e pro-inflammatory ones) exacerbate inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines are something we want less of as they are positive mediators of inflammation. Thankfully, fulvic acid helps to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine secretion.

11 May slow down aging and increase longevity

Contemporary scientific research surrounding longevity and aging is exciting, with new discoveries constantly being made. New models of aging research suggest that one of the primary driving factors of aging is dictated by the health of an individual’s mitochondria [28, 29]. Aging can be simply defined as the body’s decreased ability to recover from stress, and more specifically, the ability of the mitochondria to recover from stress. Take exercise as an example. Exercise, despite being healthy, is acutely stressful on the body. A young person can take much more stress through exercise and therefore can recover faster. As one ages, their ability to recover from exercise decreases due to their inability (down to a cellular level) to be as resilient to stress as they once were.

With more mitochondria comes more energy and a stronger resilience to stress. The number and state of one’s mitochondria is sharply correlated with aging. We also require mitochondria so that the body can create its own antioxidants. And so as we age we are given the cliche advice of “eat healthy” and “move more”, which helps serve our mitochondria. Fulvic acid not only helps to protect your mitochondria from damage, but it also helps increase the ability of the mitochondria to produce energy for longer periods of time [30].

Although there haven’t been any specific clinical trials observing an association between fulvic acid consumption and longevity (yet), the promise is there for fulvic acid to be a powerful anti-aging compound. Because fulvic acid is anti-inflammatory, protects against oxidative stress, and is good for the mitochondria, it is more than probable that fulvic acid is incredibly beneficial for those of us trying to live a long and healthy life [31].

12 Protects and repairs skin

Evidence has shown that humic acids help improve skin health.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology concluded that fulvic acid supplementation significantly improved symptoms associated with eczema compared to other commonly used eczema treatments [32]. Because fulvic acid has been proven to help with nutrient absorption, this also means that nutrients become more bioavailable for your skin, allowing for a deeper penetration.

AEON, the evolution of shilajit

If you’re looking for a natural supplement that can help improve your digestion, increase your energy levels, decrease free radicals, and improve your resilience to stress, then AEON is what we recommend. My guess is that after reading these benefits, you’re quite excited about the potential of fulvic and humic acid to help you improve your health.

Fulvic acid truly is an underrated natural compound rivalled by few others for its plethora of health benefits.

What form of fulvic acid do we recommend?

We recommend AEON Unique Biome for your choice as the best fulvic acid supplement. You may be wondering, why choose AEON Unique Biome over shilajit, which also contains fulvic acid? The reason is simple. Our product contains pure extracts of humic and fulvic acids. Tests have shown that shilajit contains only 0.96% fulvic acid [33].

AEON is also super convenient in single serve sachets, has virtually zero taste compared to shilajit, and mixes instantly in any drink. 

In a world where people are overprescribed strong medication with harmful side effects, the idea that a natural, safe and clinically proven compound such as fulvic acid exists truly is a blessing.

Simply take Unique Biome once per day with a glass of water or any drink. It’s that easy.