Fulvic acid is a group of organic compounds found in shilajit and often quoted as a percentage. The number is useful as a composition marker but not as a quality or safety guarantee, because testing methods vary widely. Ask which lab and method produced the figure. ShilNepal reports 79 to 81% fulvic acid from a separate compositional analysis.
Open almost any shilajit listing and you will see a fulvic acid percentage. Here is what it means, and what it does not.
What is fulvic acid?
Fulvic acids are a family of organic compounds that form when plant and microbial matter breaks down over long periods. They are found in soil, peat and mineral deposits, and are one of the main components of shilajit alongside humic acids and trace minerals.
Why brands quote a percentage
Fulvic acid content is used as a rough marker that a resin is genuine shilajit rather than a coloured filler. Brands often quote figures from 50% to over 80%.
Why the numbers are hard to compare
- Methods differ. Labs use different tests, and results can vary by method.
- Definitions differ. What counts as "fulvic" versus "humic" depends on the extraction approach.
- Basis differs. Some figures are on a dry-weight basis, others on the resin as sold.
- Marketing pressure. A higher number sells better, so unsupported figures are common.
A percentage with no named lab, method or date should be treated as marketing.
What a fulvic acid number does not tell you
- It does not show the product is free of heavy metals.
- It does not show the product is safe.
- It does not show the product will have any effect.
For safety, you need a heavy metals report. See shilajit heavy metals.
How ShilNepal reports it
ShilNepal states that its compositional analysis shows fulvic acid of 79 to 81% and humic acid of 17 to 19%, and says these come from a separate analysis, not from its Eurofins heavy metals report. That separation is the right way to present it. See the review.
Questions to ask about any fulvic acid claim
- Which laboratory measured it?
- What method was used?
- Which batch does it apply to?
- Is the figure on a dry-weight basis?
- Is there a document I can read?
Frequently asked questions
What is a good fulvic acid percentage in shilajit?
There is no single agreed standard. Figures vary by method, so focus on whether the number comes from a named lab and method.
Is higher fulvic acid always better?
Not necessarily. A high number does not prove purity or safety.
Is fulvic acid the same as humic acid?
No, they are related but distinct fractions of humic substances. Shilajit contains both.
Does ShilNepal shilajit contain fulvic acid?
The brand reports 79 to 81% fulvic acid and 17 to 19% humic acid from a separate compositional analysis.