Shilajit: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: August 2026
Quick summary
Shilajit is a sticky mineral-rich resin from Himalayan rocks, used in Ayurveda for energy, vitality and 'male performance'. Its fulvic acid is interesting, but quality and purity vary, and contamination is a real concern.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter. It is rich in fulvic acid and trace minerals and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating tonic for energy, stamina and male vitality.
What Shilajit is commonly used for
In supplements, Shilajit is most often included for men's vitality support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Shilajit works
Fulvic acid and the mineral complex in shilajit are proposed to support mitochondrial energy production, act as antioxidants, and possibly influence testosterone. The mechanisms are plausible but not firmly established, and effects depend heavily on the purity and processing of the raw resin.
What the evidence says
Each claim below is tied to the specific study behind it, rather than to a general reading list.
- 250 mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days raised total and free testosterone in healthy men aged 45–55. Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016 — randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (PubMed)
- Shilajit supplementation affected fatigue-related markers and muscle strength retention in a small trial. Keller et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2019 — randomised controlled trial. (PubMed)
- Unpurified shilajit can contain heavy metals, mycotoxins and free radicals; purification is essential. Carrasco-Gallardo et al., International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012 — review of composition and safety. (PubMed)
Typical dosage used in studies
Purified shilajit studies have used roughly 250-500 mg/day. This is research information for context, not a recommendation — confirm what's appropriate for you with a healthcare professional.
Side effects and safety
Purified shilajit is generally tolerated, but unpurified resin can contain heavy metals, fungi or other contaminants. Quality and third-party testing are essential.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Shilajit
Medication & safety check
It may affect blood sugar, blood pressure and iron levels (it contains iron). People with haemochromatosis, on diabetes or blood-pressure medication, or who are pregnant should avoid it without medical advice.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, confirm it's safe to combine with Shilajit with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
The claim-level citations above are drawn from these sources:
- Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016 — randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial — find on PubMed
- Keller et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2019 — randomised controlled trial — find on PubMed
- Carrasco-Gallardo et al., International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012 — review of composition and safety — find on PubMed
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- NIH NCCIH
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit boost testosterone?
A few small studies suggest a modest effect, but the evidence is limited and quality-dependent.
Is shilajit safe?
Purified, tested products are generally tolerated, but raw resin can contain heavy metals.
What is fulvic acid?
A key active component of shilajit with antioxidant and mineral-transport roles.
How do I choose a good shilajit?
Pick purified products with third-party testing for heavy metals.
Supplements that contain Shilajit
On FactoWiki, Shilajit appears in these reviewed products. Each review breaks down the full formula, pricing and safety.
- Prostadine — Prostate & Urinary Health
- NeuroQuiet — Hearing & Tinnitus
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Shilajit — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.