By Lee Holmes, Clinical Nutritionist. Last reviewed October 2026.

Every morning I add a few drops of fulvic humic concentrate to my water bottle. I call them my little "drops of Jupiter", and they've been part of my routine for years.

Whenever I mention them, the same questions come back. What actually is fulvic humic? Where does it come from? How much do you take? And what does the science really say?

Here are my honest answers, including where the research is still catching up.

What are fulvic and humic substances?

When plants break down over a very long time, they leave behind a complex mix of natural organic compounds called humic substances. They're found in soil, peat, rivers and lakes, and in certain mineral deposits. They're a big part of what gives rich soil its dark colour.

Scientists usually describe two main groups:

• Humic acids: larger molecules, dark brown to black in colour.
• Fulvic acids: smaller, lighter molecules that dissolve readily in water.

Where does Love Your Gut Fulvic Humic Concentrate come from?

Ours is extracted from Leonardite, a soft, brown, naturally occurring mineral deposit formed from ancient plant matter. It's named after Dr Arthur Gray Leonard, the geologist who first studied it in North Dakota, and it's one of the richest natural sources of humic substances.

The result is a food grade liquid concentrate. It's flavourless, vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, sugar and preservatives.

You may also see fulvic acid linked with shilajit, a resin used in traditional Ayurvedic practice. Love Your Gut Fulvic Humic Concentrate isn't shilajit. It comes from Leonardite.

Why I take it

I'm a big believer in small habits you can actually keep up. Fulvic humic concentrate is one of the easiest: a few drops in my water bottle in the morning, and that's it. Because it has no taste, I don't even notice it's there.

It sits alongside the things that matter most for gut health: plenty of fibre and plants, fermented foods, water, sleep and movement. It's one small part of my routine, not a replacement for any of those.

How much should you take?

Add 3 drops to water, juice or a smoothie, up to 3 times a day.

As with anything new, start with one glass a day and see how it fits into your routine.

A few sensible habits:

• If you take medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing.
• If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a health condition, check with your health practitioner first.

What does the research say?

This is the part I want to be straight with you about.

Humic substances are some of the most studied natural materials on earth, but most of that research is in soil science and agriculture: how they hold water and nutrients in soil and how they affect plant growth.

Research in people is much more limited. Most of what's been published is laboratory and animal work, with only a small number of human studies. It's too early to draw firm conclusions, and that's why you won't see us promise that fulvic humic concentrate treats or prevents anything.

So why do I still take it? Because it's simple, it's food grade, it disappears into my water bottle, and I enjoy the ritual. Many of our customers say the same.

30ml or 60ml?

• 30ml: a smaller bottle to try it first.
• 60ml: our best value size if it's already part of your routine.

Your questions

What's the difference between fulvic and humic acid?

They're both humic substances. Humic acids are larger, darker molecules; fulvic acids are smaller and dissolve readily in water. Love Your Gut Fulvic Humic Concentrate contains both.

Does it taste of anything?

No. It's flavourless, so you can add it to plain water without noticing it.

Is it the same as shilajit?

No. Shilajit is a resin used in traditional Ayurvedic practice that also contains fulvic acid. Love Your Gut Fulvic Humic Concentrate is extracted from Leonardite.

Can I take it with diatomaceous earth?

Yes. I often add both to my morning smoothie. If you take any medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing.

How do I take it when I'm out?

Add the drops to your water bottle before you leave home. That's the easiest way to keep it up.

This article is general information and not personal medical advice. Speak with your health practitioner about your own needs.

Sources: International Humic Substances Society, What are humic substances?

Written by

Lee Holmes, Clinical Nutritionist

Lee is a clinical nutritionist, the author of Eat to Heal and the Supercharged Food series, and the founder of Supercharged Food (since 2010) and the Love Your Gut range.

Read more about Lee