Sources of Fulvic and Humic Acid

Powerful substances for nutrition and wellness often come from the soil beneath us, not from the latest synthetic supplements. Fulvic and humic acids, two potent natural compounds, are gaining increasing attention for their remarkable benefits to human health, soil quality, and plant vitality.

Found naturally in decomposed plant matter and soil-rich environments, these acids are nature’s multivitamins packed with trace minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants.

Feel your best every day, try Fulvic Humic Blend for total body wellness.

What is the Difference Between Fulvic and Humic Acid

Fulvic acid is the lighter, more biologically active part. It's smaller in molecular size and able to easily penetrate plant roots, cell walls, and human membranes. This makes it more absorbable and more effective in delivering nutrients at the cellular level. Fulvic acid is often found in liquid form due to its solubility in both acidic and alkaline conditions.

Humic acid, on the other hand, is larger in molecular weight and more complex. The human body doesn’t absorb it as easily, but it plays a critical role in soil fertility and heavy metal detoxification. It’s soluble only in alkaline solutions and acts as a chelator, binding with heavy metals and toxins and flushing them out of the system.

What are the Characteristics of Fulvic and Humic Acid

To better understand how these acids support health and wellness, let’s break down their characteristics:

Fulvic Acid

• Low molecular weight: Easily absorbed into cells, organs, and tissues.
• Water-soluble across all pH conditions: This makes it versatile for both supplement and agricultural applications.
• Rich in trace minerals: Contains over 70 trace elements, including magnesium, zinc, and iron in ionic form, which is highly bioavailable.
• Natural electrolyte: Helps maintain optimal electrical potential in the body, enhancing cell function.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Supports the immune system and helps reduce oxidative stress.

Humic Acid

• High molecular weight: Acts more like a sponge or binder than a direct nutrient transporter.
• Soluble only in alkaline pH: This makes it more stable in soil and less likely to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
• Strong chelating properties: Binds with toxins, heavy metals, and pesticides, helping to remove them from the body or soil.
• Soil enhancer: Encourages microbial activity, boosts water retention, and increases nutrient availability in the soil.
• Slow-release nutrient provider: Offers longer-term nutrient support, particularly in agriculture.

What are the Food Sources of Fulvic and Humic Acid

While fulvic and humic acids are not nutrients in the conventional sense, certain foods naturally contain them, primarily because they are grown in rich, natural soil. However, modern farming practices have depleted these compounds from many of today’s crops. Still, you can find fulvic and humic minerals in a handful of natural and supplemental sources:

1. Prehistoric Compost (Humate)

Vital Earth fulvic and humic acids come from prehistoric plant-based humate. This rare and potent humate is derived from ancient compost deposits that have remained untouched by modern-day farming practices. Through a precise cold-water extraction method, we eliminate chemical residues that may be present in other natural sources, such as Shilajit. This process ensures that our customers get the purest, most bioavailable form of these powerful minerals, supporting overall health and vitality.

2. Shilajit

This resinous substance found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions is one of the richest natural sources of fulvic acid. It forms from compressed plant matter over centuries and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for vitality and stamina. 

3. Vegetables and fruits

Crops grown in mineral-rich, pesticide-free soil often contain trace amounts of fulvic and humic acids. Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes, tend to absorb more nutrients from the soil.

4. Compost-rich plants

Compost-amended plants are more prone to absorb humic materials. They are herbs, such as dandelion, nettle, and burdock root.

5. Seaweed and algae

These sea plants can capture fulvic and humic substances from the sea floor, especially near old mineral deposits.

6. Drinking water from natural sources

Water from mineral springs or wells may contain small amounts of dissolved fulvic and humic acids, especially in regions with volcanic or glacial activity.

For most people, achieving therapeutic levels through diet alone is difficult. That’s where Vital Earth Minerals supplements and strategies to increase intake come in.

Vital Earth Source of Fulvic and Humic Acid: Prehistoric Plant-Based Humate

Our minerals come from vegetal biomass humate, a prehistoric plant-based material rich in naturally occurring fulvic and humic substances. This humate formed over millions of years through geological processes, much like lignite or Shilajit. Still, we extract it without using harsh chemicals or high heat, preserving its full nutritional integrity.

Our proprietary process is entirely cold-water extracted, using double reverse osmosis purified water, with no chemical additives, acids, or pressure. This process takes 20–30 days per batch, slowly drawing out the fulvic and humic compounds from the raw humate source without damaging their molecular structure.

By bottling only the mineral-rich solution that rises to the top during extraction, we ensure you're getting 100% fulvic in solution, not just the leftovers. This gentle method retains over 80% of the original nutrients, making our supplement uniquely potent and effective for human health.

In contrast to other products that may reuse degraded material or hide chemical residue with flavoring, Vital Earth’s fulvic is clean, unadulterated, and bioavailable, exactly as nature intended.

Foods Enriched in Fulvic and Humic Acid

While no standard food label will state "Contains fulvic acid," certain foods are known to contain or be enriched with humic substances due to their growing environment or processing methods.

Here’s a closer look at some fulvic/humic-enriched options:

Shilajit

Shilajit is a tar-like substance found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions. It has formed over centuries through the decomposition of plant matter and is naturally rich in fulvic acid, along with trace minerals, amino acids, and other bioactive compounds. It's one of the most concentrated natural sources of fulvic acid

Root Vegetables (Beets, Carrots)

Root vegetables grow deep in the soil, where they can absorb humic substances from nutrient-dense, compost-rich environments. If the soil is natural and rich in decaying plant matter, these roots are more likely to absorb small amounts of humic and fulvic acids.

Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)

Leafy greens that are organically grown in rich soil can accumulate trace minerals and possibly low levels of fulvic compounds. The quality of the soil, especially if enhanced with compost or natural fertilizers, plays a key role in their nutrient density.

Seaweed and Spirulina

Both seaweed and spirulina thrive in mineral-rich waters. They can absorb fulvic compounds and trace elements from the ocean or freshwater beds. This makes them excellent sources of natural electrolytes and bioavailable nutrients, including small amounts of humic substances.

Herbal Teas (Nettle, Dandelion)

Herbs like nettle and dandelion often grow in wild, undisturbed soils that are naturally high in minerals. As a result, they can accumulate fulvic acid and related compounds. These teas are also known for their detoxifying and mineral-replenishing properties.

Mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi)

Functional mushrooms such as Chaga and Reishi grow on decomposing wood and eco-friendly matter, which may contain humic-like compounds. Their environment mimics the humification process, and some studies suggest they might contain bioactive substances similar to fulvic and humic acids.

Conclusion

Fulvic and humic acids are ancient yet contemporary substances that offer numerous health and environmental benefits. From improving nutrient absorption and detoxifying the body to supporting agriculture and the planet, these substances are truly nature’s unsung heroes. 

Whether you obtain them from shilajit, organic produce, or a high-quality supplement, incorporating fulvic and humic acids into your life is a simple and natural way to enhance your wellness from the ground up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get enough fulvic and humic acid from food alone?

Not usually. Due to soil depletion and modern farming practices, most people don’t get sufficient amounts through their diet. Supplementation is often necessary.

Are fulvic and humic acids safe for children?

In small, natural amounts, for our mineral supplements we recommend 1tsp per 20lbs of body weight, they’re safe. But always consult a pediatrician before giving supplements to kids.

How long does it take to feel the benefits?

Many people notice improved energy and digestion within 1–2 weeks, but detox and deeper benefits may take longer.

Is it safe to take fulvic acid daily?

Yes, for most people. As long as it’s a high-quality product and used as directed, daily intake is safe and often beneficial.

What’s the best time to take fulvic acid?

Take this in the morning or before meals. Doing so helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively and reduces the risk of interactions with other supplements or medications.