Shilajit

Shilajit is a blackish-brown resinous substance that oozes from rock crevices in the Himalayas, Altai and other high mountain ranges, particularly in warm weather. It forms over very long periods from plant matter compressed between rock layers and altered by microbial action.

Its principal constituents are fulvic and humic acids, alongside dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and a range of trace minerals. Quality products are standardised to fulvic acid content, commonly 50 per cent or more in resin form.

Purification is the central issue and cannot be overstated. Raw shilajit as collected contains rock, soil, plant debris and, importantly, potentially significant levels of heavy metals including lead, arsenic and mercury. Traditional purification exists precisely because the raw material is not safe to consume. Unpurified or poorly tested shilajit is a genuine hazard rather than a theoretical one.

Fulvic acid is a low molecular weight organic compound that acts as a carrier molecule, and much of the proposed mechanism involves improved transport of minerals and other compounds across membranes.

Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones have been studied for effects on mitochondrial function, specifically in supporting electron transport chain efficiency, which is the basis of energy-related claims.

Animal work has reported influence on testosterone and on markers of reproductive function, with some limited human data in this area. Antioxidant activity and effects on inflammatory signalling have also been described. Overall the mechanistic picture is broad rather than deep, which is typical of complex traditional preparations.

Human evidence is limited but not absent. A frequently cited trial in men reported increases in total testosterone over 90 days of purified shilajit supplementation. Sample size was modest and independent replication limited.

Small trials have also examined fatigue, altitude tolerance and exercise capacity, generally reporting favourable outcomes. As with much of this category, a large share of the research originates from a small number of groups and is often industry-linked.

The preclinical literature is broader, covering cognitive, metabolic and anti-fatigue endpoints. The honest position is that shilajit has some genuine human data behind it, more than several ingredients marketed alongside it, but nothing approaching the confidence with which it is typically sold.

Properly purified shilajit is generally reported as well tolerated, with occasional digestive upset, dizziness or a raised heart rate noted at higher intakes.

Heavy metal contamination is the dominant safety issue and the reason to be genuinely selective. Testing of retail shilajit has repeatedly found concerning levels in unpurified or poorly controlled material. This is not a hypothetical risk, and it is the single most important thing to check before buying.

Shilajit also contains iron and may raise iron levels, which matters if yours are already high. Take care if your uric acid is being monitored.