Over millions of years, microbes help to break down dead and dying plants, and fulvic acid is the by-product of this process.  It is an organic material that can be found in nutrient-rich soil (humic deposits) where plants once flourished.

In a review paper entitled, Effects of Humic Acid on Animals and Humans, it is asserted that the acids from humic deposits have long been used as folk medicine for a variety of different health problems.  Because these acids have not been adequately appreciated, there has not been a concern for them when it comes to fertilizing practices.  As a result, current soils are low in these important acids, and humans and animals do not get adequate dietary amounts.

Fulvic acid however, can still be found in some parts of the world.  It contains 72 trace minerals which are said to have astonishing health benefits.  Enthusiasts claim that fulvic acid has the ability to balance cells within the body, either giving or taking electrons from cells as needed.  Because of its low molecular weight, it is also easily absorbed into cells.

As fulvic minerals are organic, they will not accumulate in the body like clay-based or metallic minerals.   Fulvic acid is said to help cells absorb some minerals and reject others like mercury, lead, aluminum and arsenic.

Many people claim that fulvic acid is the ideal antioxidant – destroying free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.  Fulvic acid is also said to help carry nutrients into cells, enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals and aid in the production of enzymes.  In addition, it is purported to help with regulation of the thyroid and thymus glands and the immune system.

As if this wasn’t enough, there are still further ostensible health benefits of fulvic acid.  It is also said to:

• Improve circulation
• Control inflammation
• Balance the pH level in the body
• Increase endurance and sex drive
• Enhance memory and cognition
• Immediately ease food poisoning

It is also possible that fulvic acid might be helpful to athletes.  A research paper written by an Irish honor student in nutrition makes the claim that fulvic acid helps to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide and lactic acid during exercise.  It is also said to provide immediately-available oxygen directly to muscle cells to speed healing.

As yet, no research has been conducted in this area, but many athletes have testified that supplementation with fulvic acid results in longer training periods and reduced muscle soreness following exercise.

Fulvic acid supplements can be found at your local whole foods or nutrition store or through many natural supplement websites.  It is available by itself or as a base for other healthy supplements.

Sources:
http://www.umich.edu/~icbic/Abstracts/371890-1.pdf
http://printfu.org/read/the-role-of-fulvic-acid-in-sport-and-exercise-0e95.html
http://www.holistichealthinfo.com/fulvic-acid-profile-and-research
http://www.humichealth.info/effects.html