Are Morningstar Mineral Energy Boost Supplements Safe?

If you are considering purchasing the product known as Morningstar Minerals Energy Boost, there are some side effects and safety concerns you should be aware of. The Morningstar Minerals Energy Boost contains just one ingredient -- fulvic acid -- a chemical derived from broken down plant material, and it is found naturally in soil and humus. While fulvic acid has been used in traditional medicine and found safe and effective for the majority of the population, it is not for everyone, and you should check with your doctor before purchasing fulvic acid.

Immunostimulation

Fulvic acid has a range of effects on the immune health of humans, and has been used for years as a traditional Chinese, TIbetan and Indian remedy for infections. In a review of research published in "International Journal of Ayurveda Research" in 2011, researchers from the University of Ulsan in Korea look at fulvic acid and other chemicals found present in humus matter. Both fulvic acid and humic acid are listed as antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-radical. However, any medicine which increases the function of white blood cells may be contra-indicated in individuals who suffer from auto-immuno conditions. More research is still required to verify the safety of fulvic acid and its immune effects in patients with autoimmune disorders.

Hormone Balance

Taking fulvic acid may alter hormone levels -- specifically, testosterone levels in men. In a study published in the journal "Andrologia" in 2009, researchers from the J. B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in India studied the effects of a natural remedy, shalajit, on infertile men. Shalajit is a traditional herbal-mineral drug comprised of humus matter, and the active constituent of shalajit is fulvic acid. In addition to beneficial effects on their fertility ratings, men taking the shalajit noticed a significant increase in their testosterone levels -- as high as 23 percent. An increase in testosterone levels could seriously benefit infertile men -- but it also may have a detrimental effect on men experiencing prostate problems, such as benign prostate hyperplasia. More research is required to verify the safety of fulvic acid in this area.

Topical Burning

When using fulvic acid as a topical treatment for wounds, inflammation and skin diseases, you may notice some uncomfortable side effects. According to a double-blind study published in the journal "Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology" in 2011, researchers from the University of Pretoria in South Africa studied the safety of fulvic acid on eczema patients. Patients treated with the fulvic acid preparation noticed a burning sensation after application, though the reaction itself was short-lived. Researchers concluded that fulvic acid was made up of weak acids, with a pH of about pH 4.8, and this was more likely to be the cause of the burning sensation than anything else. Asides from this temporary side effect, the fulvic acid treatment was found effective for treating eczema and safe.

Drug Interactions

Fulvic acid may interact with some prescribed medications, and patients should always check with their doctor before combining fulvic acid supplements with prescription drugs. In an animal study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2001, researchers investigated drug interactions between morphine and shalajit -- a natural remedy containing fulvic acid as its main ingredient. Shalajit inhibited the tolerance of mice to morphine and its pain-relieving effects. More research is still required to understand this interaction, and to understand if shalajit or fulvic acid interacts with other prescribed medications in a similar fashion.