Fulvic Acid and Trace Ocean Minerals vs. Shilajit: Understanding the Differences and Benefits
July 08, 2023
Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals and Shilajit are two natural supplements with many health benefits that often create confusion in the realm of natural health supplements due to their similarities. These compounds share certain characteristics but possess distinct differences as well. To clarify this confusion, this article explores the nature of fulvic acid, trace ocean minerals, and shilajit, covering their unique qualities and highlighting the benefits they offer.
What Is Fulvic Acid?
The first thing we need to discuss in this exploration is what fulvic acid is, as fulvic acid is a key compound in both supplements. Fulvic acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally in soil, humus, and certain organic materials. It is a complex mixture of organic acids, including fulvic acid, humic acid, and other bioactive substances. (1) Fulvic acid is formed through the decomposition of plant matter by soil microorganisms over an extended period.
Essentially, fulvic acid is created when organic matter, such as plants and microbial biomass, undergoes a process called humification. Humification involves the breakdown of complex organic compounds into simpler substances by various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. (1) Over time, these microorganisms convert the organic matter into humic substances, including fulvic acid.
Fulvic acid is characterized by its low molecular weight and high solubility in water. (1) It is yellow to amber in color and possesses a unique composition rich in carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and trace minerals. Due to its molecular structure, fulvic acid has an exceptional ability to interact with minerals and nutrients, making them more accessible and absorbable by living organisms. This means that fulvic acid has the unique ability to actually enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients—both into plants from the soil as well as into the blood from the food we consume.
In the natural environment, fulvic acid acts as a natural chelator, meaning it binds to minerals and transforms them into bioavailable forms that plants and microorganisms can absorb. Fulvic acid's chelating properties enhance the transportation of minerals across cell membranes, facilitating nutrient uptake by plants. Fulvic acid also carries a negative electrical charge, enabling it to attract positively charged ions, including harmful substances like heavy metal particles and toxins, allowing them to be effectively processed and eliminated rather than harming plants and microorganisms. In the human body, fulvic acid plays a similar role in helping to bind to and remove harmful compounds from the system. (2)
What Is Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals?
A Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals formula is a unique mineral supplement that combines fulvic acid with numerous organic trace minerals. Trace ocean minerals are derived from seawater and contain a wide array of essential elements, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iodine. The combination of fulvic acid and trace ocean minerals offers a comprehensive range of micronutrients that support various bodily functions and may promote overall well-being.
Fulvic acid also aids in the absorption of these essential minerals, ensuring they are more effectively utilized by the body. A quality fulvic acid and trace minerals formula may provide the body with vital nutrients that could be lacking in modern diets.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a naturally occurring resinous substance found in the Himalayan mountains and other regions with high altitudes. (3) It is formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant matter and microbial activity. Shilajit contains a complex mixture of minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, making it a revered substance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Shilajit naturally contains a significant amount of fulvic acid. However, shilajit is not solely composed of fulvic acid. It also contains other organic and inorganic substances, including humic acid, minerals, and plant-based compounds. Fulvic acid is just one component within the complex matrix of shilajit.
Shilajit, in its natural form, is sourced from rock formations known as shilajit resin. These resinous formations contain a rich concentration of bioactive compounds and minerals. This comprehensive blend of bioactive substances sets shilajit resin apart from isolated fulvic acid supplements and contributes to its reputation as a potent health-promoting substance.
Shilajit Resin vs. Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals: What's the Difference?
A Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals formula and a Shilajit Supplement share many similarities:
- They are both rich in fulvic acid.
- They both contain a significant amount of important trace minerals.
- They are both highly bioavailable and absorb easily into the bloodstream.
That being said, there are a few differences that set them apart as well:
- Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals may contain a higher concentration of fulvic acid than shilajit, as it contains specific amounts of a fulvic acid extract, whereas shilajit has naturally occurring amounts of fulvic acid that may vary.
- Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals is milder in its taste and is, therefore, more versatile and easier to include in one's diet.
- Shilajit typically contains more minerals than a trace ocean mineral complex. While a trace ocean minerals formula typically has 70+ trace elements, shilajit typically contains 80+
- Shilajit also contains other bioactive compounds like humic acid, amino acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants like dibenzo-a-pyrones.
- Shilajit has a potent taste that many find unpleasant, making it a bit more challenging for some to include in a daily regimen.
- Shilajit quality can vary considerably depending on its source and how it is manufactured; it also has a higher potential for contamination, especially if it is not lab tested by the manufacturer.
- The exact trace mineral profile may differ between the two supplements as well to some extent.
Overall, these two supplements are very similar. They offer many of the same benefits, but they do have distinct properties that set them apart as well.
If you are considering trying either supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor first to see if they are a good fit for you, especially if you are currently taking any form of medication.
What Are the Benefits of Fulvic Acid and Trace Minerals?
Whether you are getting fulvic acid and trace minerals from a Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals Tonic or from a Shilajit Supplement, the potential benefits of adding fulvic acid and trace minerals to your diet are many:
1. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Fulvic acid's chelating properties help facilitate the absorption and utilization of essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients, ensuring their effective delivery to cells. This improved nutrient absorption supports overall health and well-being.
2. Increased Energy and Stamina
Fulvic acid and trace minerals can support energy production at the cellular level, potentially leading to improved physical and mental stamina. By optimizing the body's energy production mechanisms, these compounds may contribute to increased vitality and endurance.
3. Detoxification and Antioxidant Support
Fulvic acid acts as a natural detoxifier, assisting the body in removing harmful toxins and heavy metals. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. By supporting detoxification processes and providing antioxidant support, fulvic acid, and trace minerals promote cellular health and protect against oxidative damage.
4. Anti-Aging Effects
The antioxidant properties of fulvic acid may help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals, potentially slowing down the aging process and promoting healthy aging. Fulvic acid's antioxidant properties contribute to its reputation as an anti-aging supplement, supporting skin health, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
5. Cognitive Function Support
Some studies suggest that fulvic acid may enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus, making it a potential ally for mental clarity and brain health. (4)
Shilajit, with its unique composition, also offers adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with physical and mental stress. It may promote resilience, endurance, and overall vitality. By supporting the body's stress response, shilajit may assist in maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being, particularly during challenging periods.
Fulvic Acid vs Shilajit: Which is Better?
When it comes to shilajit vs fulvic acid and trace ocean minerals, which is better depends on your specific health goals and needs.
While Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals and shilajit share certain characteristics, they differ in composition and unique qualities. Fulvic acid, when combined with trace ocean minerals, provides a comprehensive range of micronutrients and supports various bodily functions. It also tends to be milder in taste and therefore is often easier to add to one's regimen consistently. Additionally, there tends to be more quality control with this type of mineral supplement.
On the other hand, shilajit offers a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds and has adaptogenic properties—though it does have a more potent taste that some find unpleasant. Additionally, shilajit has a greater potential for contamination, and it is important to only get shilajit that is third-party lab tested for purity to ensure it does not have any contamination of heavy metal particles or other toxins.
By understanding the differences and benefits of each supplement, individuals can make informed choices about which supplement aligns best with their health goals and needs. Whether opting for Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals or Shilajit, these natural substances offer numerous potential health benefits and can contribute to overall health and well-being.
While both supplements are considered to be very safe, it is important to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine to see if they are a good fit for you, especially if you are currently taking any form of medication.
References
1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/fulvic-acid
2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651322003426
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