Overview

Fulvic acid is a chemical that is formed when organisms decompose. It is available over the counter as a supplement. It is used for many reasons, although its benefits are not well understood or defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what common side effects it may cause. Before taking fulvic acid, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is fulvic acid used for?

Fulvic acid is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using fulvic acid include the following.

• Diabetes
• Inflamed veins (phlebitis)
• Joint pain
• To improve gut and digestive health
• To increase energy levels
• To reduce inflammation

Note: The FDA has not reviewed fulvic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Fulvic acid is available as a dietary supplement in many strengths and forms. Many products that contain fulvic acid also contain other ingredients, including trace minerals.

How does fulvic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Fulvic acid is part of a substance called humic acid. Both fulvic acid and humic acid are humic substances, which form when organisms decompose. These substances are usually yellow to black in color. Fulvic acid is available in dietary supplements and in a substance called shilajit, which is also available as a dietary supplement.

Fulvic acid may have some effects in the body, including acting as an antioxidant and reducing swelling (inflammation). This has led to interest in taking fulvic acid by mouth or applying it to the skin for many reasons. But its effects on the body are poorly understood. It is not clear if or how fulvic acid may work for any use.

How should I store fulvic acid?

You should store fulvic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of fulvic acid?

Fulvic acid seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of fulvic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of fulvic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of fulvic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fulvic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fulvic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use fulvic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fulvic acid.

• Fulvic acid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fulvic acid products they stock.

What should I know about fulvic acid before using it?

Fulvic acid is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep fulvic acid out of the reach of children.

If you are taking a liquid fulvic acid product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

The FDA has not tested fulvic acid products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using fulvic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if fulvic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how fulvic acid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if fulvic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does fulvic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between fulvic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fulvic acid.

Does fulvic acid interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between fulvic acid and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with fulvic acid is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking fulvic acid with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much fulvic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much fulvic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Many fulvic acid products also contain other ingredients, including minerals. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take fulvic acid safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.