What are Fulvic and Humic acids?
Humic substances like fulvic and humic acids are organic compounds that are important components of humus, the major organic fraction of soil, peat, and coal (and also a constituent of many upland streams, dystrophic lakes, and ocean water). In the late 19th and early 20th century, humic substances were considered important components of organic acidic matter. Humic acids were defined as organic substances extracted from soils that clump and hold together when a strong-base extract is acidified, whereas fulvic acids are organic acids that remain soluble when a strong-base extract is acidified. More recently these substances are now refered by new definition as “humic substances” and not “acids” and suggest that the term “humic acids” should be avoided. This is not because the acid–base potentials of humic substances are untrue but rather because by themselves they do not explain the complete soil chemistry. For example, a humic substance may play a hormonal role in plant development without being coagulated by an acid–base reaction.(1)
How are Humic Substances Formed?
Raw Humate deposits or caches were formed from prehistoric plant material – primarily from the Cretaceous period – that have been compacted over time. The three main theories on the formation of humic substances are: the Lignin Theory by Waksman, the Sugar-amine Condensation theory of Maillard, and the Polyphenol Theory. Each theory outlines a different pathway to the creation of humics. Regardless of which pathway is correct, all humus comes from the biodegradation of tissues of dead plant organisms, thus the classification of “organic matter”. When plant material dies, it is broken down by fungi and bacteria into it’s component parts. These “organic components” then enter the soil and are eventually re-absorbed by living plants and the cycle repeats. In humic caches, large amounts of dead plant material was compressed rather quickly and was not allowed to disperse and be re-asbsorbed by living plants.
Where Can Fulvic and Humic Acids be Found?
Although, concentrate raw humic substances can be found all over the world, not very many of these sights are suitable for making fulvic and humic substances. During the Cretaceous Period, in an area known as the Fruitland Formation, conditions were ideal. In this area can be found millions of acres of land that is far from civilization and human pollution. Humate Deposits from specific areas of the Fruitland Formation carry a very high Fulvic concentration and a desirable mineral profile essential to support optimum human health applications.
Fulvic Acid and Humic Acid Benefits?
Humic substances have been successfully used as an additive in various animal feeds. These humic additives have been shown to be antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, improve immune function, increase nutrient absorption, improve digestion and overall wellness. Fulvic and other humic acids contain a multitude of nutrients that can improve gut health. These nutrients include more than 72 trace minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, and fatty acids.
Humates have a negative charge. This negative charge of the humic substances results from deprotonation of acidic functional groups generally increased with increasing pH and increasing ionic strength. At any given pH and ionic strength, the fulvic acid fraction exhibited much higher negative charge than the humic acid fraction. (1)
Humates have the unique ability to chelate ions when interacting within a living biological system. This chelation of elements allows the uptake of these ions thru several mechanisms and positively influences their bioavailability. This chelating creates a natural action in detoxifying tissues of heavy metals, toxins, pesticides and herbicides.(2)
Chelation of ions plays a major role of humic acids with respect to interacting within living biological systems. By chelating the elements ions, they facilitate the uptake of these ions by several mechanisms. Chelation prevents their precipitation and also seems to be a direct and positive influence on their bioavailability.(2)
• Antibacterial and Anti-Viral Effects
Fulvic acid is a novel antimicrobial molecule that is reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Humic Acids have the ability to influence in particular the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates of microbes. SCIENTIFIC STUDY
• Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Fulvic acid (FvA), one such NHP, comes from humic substances produced by microorganisms in soil. Traditional medicine and modern research claim FvA can modulate the immune system, influence the oxidative state of cells, and improve gastrointestinal function; all of which are hallmarks of diabetes. This mini review outlines the available peer-reviewed research on FvA and examines its anecdotal health claims. We show that although available research has been minimal, there is substantial evidence to pursue FvA research in preventing chronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes. SCIENTIFIC STUDY
• Antiphlogical Effects:
Dermal, oral or subcutaneous application of humic acids leads to inhibitory effects on inflammation. The ability to inhibit inflammation is believed to be related with the flavonoid groups contained in humic acids. REFERENCE
• Antiresorptive and Adsorptive Effects:
As high molecular humic acids remain in the gastrointestinal tract almost entirely following the enteral application (there is no self-resorption), antiresorptive and adsorptive effects take place where they are needed: in the digestive tract. Primarily, cationoidnoxes (protein toxins, toxic substances) are fixed, their resorption is reduced considerably or even prevented completely, and their elimination through feces is promoted. REFERENCE
• Immune System:
Humic Acids stimulate the resistance forces of the body and lead to an increase in the phagocytosis activity of immune cells. Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid supplementation in controlled lab studies resulted in strong humoral immune stimulation. Research results suggest that humic acids are biologically active immunodulators affecting both the humoral and cellular branches of immune reactions. In addition, two humic acids studied worked in synergy in stimulation of the immune reaction, supporting further studies of these natural immunomodulators. SCIENTIFIC STUDY
• Ergotropic Effects:
Humic Acids stabilize the intestinal flora and thus ensure an improved utilization of nutrients in animal feed (improved feed efficiency). This leads to an increase in live weight of the animal without increasing the amount of feed given to the animal. Controlled studies showed that the sum concentration of colonic microbiota increased from 20% at day 10 to 30% by day 31 and remained stable until day 45 (32%) with humic acid supplementation (P < 0.001). SCIENTIFIC STUDY
This article is copyright ©2018 Essense of Life, LLC. All rights reserved. Do not copy without permission.
The information contained herein is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of your personal physician or other health care professionals. Consult your doctor or health care professional before making any changes to your diet or starting a supplement program.