Fulvic Acid vs Shilajit – Best Supplement to Support Optimal Health

Fulvic Acid vs Shilajit – Best Supplement to Support Optimal Health

Fulvic Acid and shilajit are two naturally occurring substances that have been gaining popularity in the health and wellness community for their numerous benefits. While these compounds share several similarities, they also have distinct differences

By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions about which supplement might be the best choice for your health and well-being.


What is Shilajit?

What is Shilajit

Shilajit (also known as vegetable asphalt, mineral pitch, mumijo, or mumie) is a sticky, tar-like substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges [1].

The formation of shilajit is a complex and lengthy process that occurs over thousands of years. It begins with the decomposition of organic matter, such as plants and minerals, which are gradually compressed between layers of rocks.

Over time, this organic matter transforms into a dense, blackish-brown resinous substance. Shilajit is typically found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, the Altai Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Shilajit has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic health. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words "shila," meaning "rock" or "stone," and "jita," meaning "conquered" or "mastered." This aptly describes the substance's ability to ‘conquer’ or support various health issues and promote overall vitality.

In Ayurveda, shilajit is considered a "rasayana" or rejuvenator—capable of strengthening and revitalizing the body and mind. It is believed to support energy levels, cognitive function, immunity, and overall well-being [2].

Shilajit comprises around 15-20% Fulvic Acid—and it’s believed that most of its health-supporting benefits stem from its Fulvic Acid content [3] [4].

Benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit has been highly regarded for its numerous health benefits, which have been supported by both traditional wisdom and modern scientific research. Some of the key benefits of shilajit as a health-supporting supplement are:

 

  • Enhanced Energy and Vitality: Shilajit has been shown to promote energy production within cells, resulting in optimal energy levels and overall vitality.

  • Support Cognitive Function: Research suggests that shilajit may help support healthy brain function and potentially promote memory, focus, and cognitive performance [5] [6].

  • Healthy Aging and Free Radical Scavenging: Rich in free radical scavengers, shilajit can help support the body's ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and manage oxidative stress in the body, potentially encouraging a healthy aging process.

  • Immune System Support: Some of the bioactive compounds in shilajit may stimulate and interact with the immune system, supporting its natural ability to fend off unwanted organisms and compounds.

  • Supports Hormonal Balance: Shilajit is believed to stimulate and support healthy hormone production and balance, which can contribute to overall well-being and promote reproductive health [7].

What is Fulvic Acid?

Fulvic Acid

Fulvic Acid is a naturally occurring organic compound found in soil, water, and plants. It is one of the key components of Humic substances, which play a significant role in the health and growth of plants [8].

The origin of Fulvic Acid can be traced back to the decomposition of organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, in the soil. This decomposition process, carried out by microorganisms, releases Fulvic Acid and other Humic substances into the soil, which are then absorbed by plants and eventually make their way into the human diet.

The primary role of Fulvic Acid in the environment is to facilitate the absorption of nutrients by plants, thereby promoting their overall health and the well-being of the environment as a whole.

Similarly, when Fulvic Acid is consumed by humans, it can have a positive impact on supporting nutrient absorption, gut microbiome, detoxification, and overall health.

Its unique molecular structure enables it to bind with minerals and other nutrients, making them more bioavailable and easier for the body to absorb. This enhanced nutrient uptake can lead to a variety of health benefits as highlighted in the next section.

Benefits of Fulvic Acid

Fulvic Acid has a multitude of health benefits that make it an attractive supplement option for those looking to optimize their overall well-being.

It has gained considerable attention in recent years for its ability to enhance nutrient absorption, promote gut health, support a healthy inflammatory response, scavenge free radicals, support cognitive function, and promote the immune system, among other benefits.

Read on as we highlight the key health benefits of Fulvic Acid:

 

  • Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: Fulvic Acid can help improve the bioavailability of essential nutrients, making them more accessible for the body to absorb and utilize. This can lead to better overall health and well-being, as well as increased energy levels.

  • Promote Gut Health: Fulvic Acid has been shown to support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting the overall function of the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Free Radical Scavenging: Fulvic Acid is one of the most potent free radical scavengers. It has over 14,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 electrons that it can donate to harmful free radicals, neutralizing them and reducing their capacity to cause oxidative stress in the body.

  • Healthy Detoxification: Fulvic Acid supports the body’s natural detoxification process through several mechanisms including free radical scavenging and chelation. Chelation is the process by which Fulvic Acid binds to heavy metals potentially harmful substances like heavy metals and facilitates their efficient removal from the body. These properties make Fulvic Acid a key ingredient in any Healthy Detoxification Regimen.

  • Immune System Support: Similar to shilajit, Fulvic Acid has been found to positively influence the immune system and support the body’s natural defenses against unwanted compounds and organisms. It also possesses properties that can help support a healthy inflammatory response in the body.

As you can see, Fulvic Acid offers a range of health benefits that can contribute to overall well-being.

Ascent Nutrition's Humic & Fulvic Acid supplement provides a high-quality source of Fulvic Acid to help you harness these benefits and support your health journey. With its focus on purity, potency, and unique product offerings, Ascent Nutrition is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable Fulvic Acid supplement.

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Fulvic Acid Vs Shilajit

While Fulvic Acid and Shilajit share some health benefits, such as enhanced nutrient uptake and immune system support, they each possess unique properties that may result in distinct health benefits and applications in your health routine.

Some of the differences between Fulvic Acid and Shilajit include:

Composition and Extraction Methods

Fulvic Acid is a single organic compound that is derived from the decomposition of organic matter in soil, water, and plants. It is a component of Humic substances and plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and overall health.

Shilajit, on the other hand, is a complex substance composed of various bioactive compounds, including Fulvic Acid. The variable levels of Fulvic Acid in Shilajit pose challenges in assessing its purity and consistency.

Purity

Shilajit, sourced from rocks, is susceptible to heavy metals and contaminants. In contrast, Fulvic Acid is extracted from reliable sources and undergoes rigorous testing procedures—ensuring a higher level of purity and safety.

For example, Ascent Nutrition’s Humic & Fulvic Acid supplement is sourced from pristine, nutrient-rich soil deposits in the United States and extracted using a special process that does not use chemicals or other harsh procedures.

Concentration and Dosage Control

Fulvic Acid supplements provide a concentrated form, allowing for precise dosage and consistent intake. Shilajit's fluctuating Fulvic Acid content complicates the accurate determination of its health-supporting efficacy.

Health Benefits

With Fulvic Acid being the main bioactive compound in shilajit, the two share some health benefits. However, shilajit contains other bioactive compounds that may contribute to additional benefits not typically associated with Fulvic Acid alone.

Best Fulvic Acid Supplement

If you’re looking to enjoy the full spectrum of health benefits offered by Fulvic Acid, we encourage you to consider Ascent Nutrition’s Humic & Fulvic Acid supplement.

With its high-quality ingredients and commitment to purity and potency, Ascent Nutrition’s Humic & Fulvic Acid supplement is an excellent choice for those seeking to optimize their nutrient absorption and overall health.

Ascent Nutrition is dedicated to providing high-quality supplements that support your health and well-being. This commitment is evident in our focus on using pure, natural ingredients and avoiding toxic additives.


Reference

  1. Giachin, G., Nepravishta, R., Mandaliti, W., Melino, S., Margon, A., Scaini, D., ... & Leita, L. (2017). The mechanisms of humic substances self-assembly with biological molecules: The case study of the prion protein. PLoS One, 12(11), e0188308: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697873/

  2. Meena, H., Pandey, H. K., Arya, M. C., & Ahmed, Z. (2010). Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. International journal of Ayurveda research, 1(1), 37: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2876922/

  3. Schepetkin, I. A., Xie, G., Jutila, M. A., & Quinn, M. T. (2009). Complement‐fixing activity of fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural sources. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 23(3), 373-384: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2650748/

  4. Winkler, J., & Ghosh, S. (2018). Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Journal of diabetes research, 2018: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151376/

  5. Khaksari, M., Mahmmodi, R., Shahrokhi, N., Shabani, M., Joukar, S., & Aqapour, M. (2013). The effects of shilajit on brain edema, intracranial pressure and neurologic outcomes following the traumatic brain injury in rat. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 16(7), 858: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758058/

  6. Wilson, E., Rajamanickam, G. V., Dubey, G. P., Klose, P., Musial, F., Saha, F. J., ... & Dobos, G. J. (2011). Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 136(1), 1-9: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887411100273X?via%3Dihub

  7. Pandit, S., Biswas, S., Jana, U., De, R. K., Mukhopadhyay, S. C., & Biswas, T. K. (2016). Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia, 48(5), 570-575: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/and.12482

  8. Gandy, J. J., Meeding, J. P., Snyman, J. R., & van Rensburg, C. E. J. (2012). Phase 1 clinical study of the acute and subacute safety and proof-of-concept efficacy of carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid. Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications, 7-11: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304339/ 

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