Abstract Humic substances (SH; product of the biotransformation of organic matter) have been widely used in agricultural processes such as soil remediation and also as bioremediation agents due to their ability to chelate toxic wastes. HS have been also used in animal production to promote growth performance. Animal production systems currently require cleaner production coupled with competitive performance. Today´s trends also include management alternatives such as supplementation with feed additives from natural sources to improve productivity and animal health. This review focuses on how SH contributes to poultry production based on research claims that SH supplementation to broilers and laying hens allows optimizing nutrient digestion, leading to improved productivity. Given the existing relationship between intestinal physiology and the immune response, there could be positive immunomodulatory effects associated with the dietary inclusion of these additives