- Fulvic acid is listed among shilajit’s main components.[1]
- It is defined by solubility: soluble at all pH levels.
- Measured percentages depend on the test method.
- A higher percentage isn’t proven to be better.
How fulvic acid is defined
Humic substances are split into fractions by how they dissolve. Fulvic acid is the fraction that stays dissolved whether the solution is acidic or alkaline, unlike humic acid and humin; see humic substances explained. It is a family of related molecules rather than one compound, which is why “fulvic acid” on a label describes a fraction, not a single ingredient.
Why percentages don’t compare
Different laboratories use different extraction and measurement procedures. The same jar can therefore produce different fulvic acid percentages depending on the method. Comparing a “60% fulvic” claim with a “20% fulvic” claim is only meaningful if both used the same method. See fulvic acid testing and fulvic acid percentage claims.
What research shows
| Claim | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Main component of shilajit | Reported in trial descriptions[1] |
| Cognitive effects | Laboratory work on tau protein; a hypothesis, not a human finding[2] |
| Carries nutrients into cells | Not established in people; see the carrier claim |
| Higher percentage = better | No supporting evidence |
Shilajit vs fulvic acid supplements
Standalone fulvic acid products can come from other humic sources and are a different material from whole shilajit. In the EU, isolated fulvic acid is reported as a novel food, which affects how it can be sold.[3] See shilajit vs fulvic acid supplements.
Fulvic acid on a COA: a worked example
Product A’s report says “fulvic acid 62%” with no method named. Product B’s says “fulvic acid 24% (method stated)”. It is tempting to conclude A has more than twice as much. But if the two laboratories used different procedures, the figures may not be comparable at all: one method can report a much higher percentage than another for the same material. The fair comparison is only possible when the method is named and the same for both. A missing method is itself useful information about how carefully the figure was reported.
Fulvic acid vs humic acid at a glance
| Feature | Fulvic acid | Humic acid |
|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble at any pH | Soluble only in alkaline conditions |
| Relative molecule size | Smaller | Larger |
| In water-extracted resin | Retained | Partly retained |
| On labels | Commonly advertised | Occasionally listed |
Full definitions are on humic substances explained.
Fulvic acid and UK marketing rules
Brands sometimes attribute specific benefits to fulvic acid. In UK marketing, any health claim must be authorised on the GB nutrition and health claims register,[4][5] and isolated fulvic acid has a separate regulatory status as a food ingredient in the EU catalogue.[3] A product that says “rich in fulvic acid” is describing composition. One that says fulvic acid “detoxifies” or “boosts immunity” is making a health claim it would need authorisation for. See what sellers can claim.
What matters more than the percentage
- Contaminant resultsMetals and microbiology on the same batch.
- A batch matchThe figure relates to the jar you are buying.
- A named methodSo the percentage can be compared at all.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of shilajit is fulvic acid?
It varies by sample, processing and test method, so there is no single figure. Compare percentages only when the same method was used.
Is fulvic acid the active ingredient in shilajit?
No single active ingredient has been established. Fulvic acid is the most marketed component.
Is higher fulvic acid shilajit better?
There is no evidence that a higher percentage gives better results. See more fulvic acid, better shilajit?
Can I take fulvic acid instead of shilajit?
They are different products with a different regulatory status, and the shilajit trials used shilajit preparations.[3]
Does fulvic acid help absorb minerals?
That idea comes from laboratory chemistry and hasn’t been established in human studies.
How is fulvic acid tested?
By laboratory procedures that separate humic fractions by solubility. Methods differ, so ask which one was used.
Is fulvic acid safe?
Safety depends on the whole product, including contaminants, rather than fulvic acid alone. Check the batch report for metals and microbiology.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, Smith CM, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16:3, 2019. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2; PMID 30728074. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2012:674142, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/674142; PMID 22482077. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review (preclinical)]
- Verbraucherzentrale. Mumijo bei Darmproblemen? (reports the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue position on mumijo and fulvic acid). verbraucherzentrale.de, 2025. View source (opens in a new tab) [Consumer organisation guidance (German)]
- Department of Health and Social Care. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Official register]
- Committee of Advertising Practice. UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code), Section 15: Food, food supplements and associated health or nutritional claims. asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising code]