A number of factors have been associated with the occurrence of mineral deficiencies in humans: deficiency in the soil, water and plants; mineral imbalances; processing of water or soil; and inadequate dietary intake. Mineral deficiencies can result in a multitude of conditions, such as hair loss, eczema, fatigue, and illness. A dermatological study of head hair growth was conducted in 29 adult subjects experiencing hair loss related to suspected trace element deficiencies. (Humic/Fulvic Acid) decreased hair loss and actually increased the regeneration of hair in some subjects. This was attributed to improved trace element status in subjects, particularly for iron status. Serum iron levels rose in those patients who experienced improvements in hair growth and regeneration, but not in subjects with little or no improvement. The same author reported on similar results in children but the data was inadequate to reach a conclusion.

(Humic/Fulvic Acid) has also been shown to produce a positive response in another condition associated with mineral and trace element deficiency, notably chronic eczema. Eczema is an acute or chronic inflammatory condition that causes itching and burning of the skin. Eczema has various etiologic factors, such as allergic reactions, and nutrient deficiencies. For example, protein deficiency is thought to be a casual factor in chronic eczema, and manganese deficiency produces scaly dermatitis. Severe zinc and magnesium deficiency may produce skin lesions. It has also been reported that nutrients may be beneficial in the treatment of eczema. Selenium sulphate lotions inhibit different forms of dermatitis.

Free form amino acids, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and selenium have all been implicated in the treatment of eczema. The response to oral administration of (Humic/Fulvic Acid) over a three-week period was studied in nine paediatric subjects with chronic eczema. After the study was concluded and subjects no longer received (Humic/Fulvic Acid), their eczema returned. As a result, the study was continued for an additional period of two to three months with the same subjects, and again during administration of (Humic/Fulvic Acid) the amount of eczema decreased. (Humic/Fulvic Acid) was then continued for six more months in the same subjects and again the amount of eczema decreased. Thus, the possibility of treating chronic eczema with (Humic/Fulvic Acid) should be examined further for its potential role as a long-term treatment for this condition. The effects seen in this study could possibly be due to the combination of naturally occurring amino acids attached to (Humic/Fulvic Acid) as well as the added minerals and trace elements to the (product).

Research in a population of 51 healthy adults supports the role of the standardised (Humic/Fulvic Acid) in improving microelement parameters. The product significantly raised the level of copper in these individuals and improved iron metabolism. (Humic/Fulvic Acid) had no significant effect on blood parameters studied (i.e. haematocrit, haemoglobin, leukocyte count; SGOT, GGT, ALP; and, Na, K, Ca, and P). All of these laboratory parameters were still within the normal range after the administration of the (Humic/Fulvic Acid). Isolated humic acid has been shown to facilitate the transport of several trace elements, including copper and iron, across the intestinal membrane of rats. Therefore, this data in animals provides support for the mechanism of action of humic acid and the (Humic/Fulvic Acid) containing humic acid in improving microelement parameters in humans.

*HumicHealth.info EDITOR'S NOTES:
In keeping with this website's intention to educate without promoting or endorsing any Humic Acid product, we have substituted the terms (Humic/Fulvic Acid) and (the product) when reference to a brand name or formulation is made in the above text.

Additionally, we want to state that the improvement in eczema noted above may also be due in part to Humic Acid's immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory actions, as well as the mineral supplementation.