Background

Fulvic acid is group of chemicals formed when plants and animals break down. It is found in the humus (organic matter) part of soil and peat, and is also found in streams and lakes.

People use fulvic acid for conditions such as allergies, eczema (atopic dermatitis), cancer, Alzheimer disease, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Fulvic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken for up to 7 days. Some people have a headache or sore throat after taking fulvic acid.

When applied to the skin: Fulvic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE when used for up to 4 weeks.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fulvic acid is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Autoimmune diseases: Fulvic acid might increase the activity of the immune system. It might therefore worsen some autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). People with these conditions should be cautious or avoid fulvic acid altogether.

Kashin-Beck Disease: There is some concern that fulvic acid in drinking water might increase the risk of developing Kashin-Beck bone disease. It is thought that the risk is greatest in regions where people do not receive enough selenium in their diet.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of fulvic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses fulvic acid (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Fulvic acid can stimulate the immune system. In theory, taking fulvic acid might decrease the effects of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and other corticosteroids (glucocorticoids).

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are taken to slow blood clotting. Fulvic acid might increase how quickly blood clots. Taking fulvic acid with these medications might reduce their effects and increase the risk of blood clots.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Thyroid hormone

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Fulvic acid affects thyroid hormone levels. In theory, taking fulvic acid with thyroid hormone might interfere with therapy to make thyroid function normal. People receiving thyroid hormone should use fulvic acid cautiously.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Fulvic acid might block reactions in the body that cause allergy symptoms. It might also interrupt steps involved in the worsening of brain disorders such as Alzheimer disease. Additionally, fulvic acid might reduce swelling and prevent or slow the growth of cancer.