humifulvate
Also known as: Humifulvate, humic substances, humic acids, fulvic acids, Humic and Fulvic Acids
Overview
Humic and Fulvic Acids, collectively referred to as Humifulvate, are complex mixtures of polyphenolic compounds derived from the decomposition of organic matter, such as lignite or peat. These natural organic compounds are found in soil, peat, coal, and aquatic environments, resulting from the microbial degradation of plant material. As a dietary supplement, Humifulvate is primarily investigated for its potential benefits in gastrointestinal health, immune modulation, and antithrombotic effects. It is characterized by its complex polyphenolic structure, high molecular weight (for humic acids), and ability to chelate metals, contributing to its antioxidant properties. While research is emerging, with some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, large-scale human clinical trials are still limited, indicating a moderate quality of evidence.
Benefits
Humifulvate shows several potential benefits, though human clinical evidence is still developing. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), 57.9% of patients treated with humic acids showed at least a 50-point improvement on the IBS severity scoring system, compared to 36.8% in the placebo group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.194), suggesting a moderate but unconfirmed effect for IBS-D patients. In aquaculture, a meta-analysis demonstrated that humic substances significantly improve the feed conversion ratio (FCR) with an overall effect size of –0.220 (95% CI: –0.261, –0.170, p=0.000), indicating better feed efficiency, and a positive linear relationship with specific growth rate (SGR) (p<0.001). This provides strong evidence for growth promotion in aquatic species. Furthermore, a murine model indicated that humic acids inhibited platelet activation and reduced venous thrombosis, suggesting potential antithrombotic effects. Secondary benefits include potential antioxidant and immune-modulatory effects, inferred from their chemical nature, though direct human evidence is limited.
How it works
Humic and Fulvic Acids exert their effects through several biological pathways. In the context of antithrombotic activity, humic acids have been shown to inhibit platelet activation by downregulating the expression of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor and inhibiting protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity on endothelial exosomes. Their complex polyphenolic structure allows them to act as antioxidants, chelating metals and reducing oxidative stress. While not conclusively demonstrated, it is hypothesized that these substances may also modulate gut microbiota and enhance intestinal barrier function, contributing to gastrointestinal health. Humic acids generally have low oral bioavailability due to their high molecular weight, whereas fulvic acids, being smaller, are more readily absorbed and bioavailable, allowing for systemic interactions.
Side effects
Humifulvate appears to have a favorable safety profile. In human clinical trials, no serious adverse events have been reported, and animal toxicology studies have also indicated general safety. Specifically, a clinical trial involving IBS-D patients reported no common side effects (>5%). Uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been reported in human studies. Animal toxicology studies in rats over 90 days showed no significant toxic effects, with only minor hematological changes observed, which remained within normal ranges. However, due to the observed antithrombotic effects in animal models, caution is advised for individuals concurrently taking anticoagulants, as potential interactions are not well-studied. There are no established contraindications, but individuals on blood thinners should exercise caution. Data on pregnant or lactating women and pediatric use are currently unavailable, so use in these special populations is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Humifulvate are not clearly established or standardized for human use, as they can vary by preparation and intended purpose. A specific minimum effective dose for humans has not been clearly identified in the available research, with clinical trials using unspecified doses of humic acids. Animal toxicology studies have not shown adverse effects at tested doses, but these do not directly translate to human maximum safe doses. Humifulvate is typically administered orally, either as capsules or powders containing a mixture of humic and fulvic acids. Timing considerations for administration are not specified, but daily oral intake is common. It's important to note that fulvic acids generally exhibit better absorption and bioavailability compared to the larger humic acids. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is humifulvate safe?
Current evidence suggests it is generally safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in human clinical trials or animal toxicology studies. However, caution is advised for those on blood thinners.
Does it work for IBS?
Some evidence from a clinical trial suggests potential symptom improvement in IBS-D patients, but the results were not statistically significant, indicating more research is needed to confirm efficacy.
Can it prevent blood clots?
Animal studies show promising antithrombotic effects by inhibiting platelet activation. However, human data are currently lacking, and it should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medication.
How long until effects appear?
The time course for effects in humans is not clearly reported in available clinical trials. Effects may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being addressed.
Is it effective in animals?
Yes, meta-analytic data from aquaculture studies indicate that humic substances significantly improve growth rates and feed efficiency in various aquatic species.
Research Sources
- https://biomedres.us/pdfs/BJSTR.MS.ID.005359.pdf – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated humic acids in 46 IBS-D patients. While 57.9% of the humic acid group responded with symptom improvement versus 36.8% in placebo, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.194). The study was well-designed but likely underpowered to detect a significant effect.
- https://www.asianfisheriessociety.org/publication/downloadfile.php?id=1429&file=Y0dSbUx6QTRNRFV5TlRjd01ERTNNRFF3TWpVek9UWXVjR1Jt – A meta-analysis of 42-52 aquaculture studies demonstrated significant improvements in feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p=0.000) and specific growth rate (SGR) (p<0.001) with humic substance supplementation. This high-quality meta-analysis provides strong evidence for the efficacy of humic substances in enhancing growth and feed efficiency in aquatic species.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9797308/ – This animal study using a murine model showed that humic acids inhibited platelet activation and reduced venous thrombosis. The mechanism involved inhibition of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity. This research provides mechanistic insights into potential antithrombotic effects, though it is not directly transferable to human clinical outcomes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7505752/ – This toxicological evaluation in rats over 90 days found no significant toxic effects from humic acids. Minor hematological changes were observed but remained within normal ranges, indicating a high safety profile for humic acids in animal models. This study supports the general safety of humic substances.
