Last verified: today
Fulvic Acid
Also known as: fulvic acid substance, humic-fulvic acid complex, FeedMAX 15, zinc fulvate, FA
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Natural organic compound with antioxidant properties. Human evidence is very limited; most data comes from animal studies.
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What it does
Fulvic acid is a natural compound formed during the decomposition of organic matter in soil and water. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant effects, improved gut health markers, and some...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Fulvic acid is a natural compound formed during the decomposition of organic matter in soil and water. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant effects, improved gut health markers, and some liver-protective properties against drug-induced damage. A rat study found it reduced liver injury caused by a common antibiotic combination, while poultry research showed improvements in eggshell quality and intestinal health when used as a zinc chelate.
What It Doesn't Do
No human clinical trials in the provided data support any health benefit. Don't believe claims that it 'detoxifies' your body or boosts energy — those are not backed by the studies reviewed here. No evidence it improves cognitive function, aids weight loss, or enhances athletic performance in humans. Animal results don't automatically translate to people.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May protect liver tissue from antibiotic-induced damage in animal models via antioxidant effects.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 100 mg/kg/day (rat study only)
Reduces oxidative stress markers in animal studies, including lower MDA and higher SOD activity.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 1200 mg/kg diet (poultry study)
Improves intestinal structure and gut microbiota diversity in aged laying hens.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 600–1200 mg/kg diet (poultry study)
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data in the provided studies. Animal data suggests zinc fulvate may offer superior zinc bioavailability compared to inorganic zinc, but this has not been confirmed in humans.
Red Flags to Watch For
- All meaningful efficacy data comes from animal studies (rats, cattle, pigs, hens) — not human clinical trials
- No established safe or effective human dose from the provided research
- Often sold in combination with humic acid, making it impossible to isolate fulvic acid's specific effects
- Widely marketed with detox and energy claims that have no human trial support in the reviewed literature
- High-dose zinc fulvate in hens raised concerns about excessive zinc intake — potential risk not fully evaluated
Products Containing Fulvic Acid
See how Fulvic Acid is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25