I take shilajit primarily for its mineral content, especially the iron. I wanted a simple way to bring more minerals back into my diet, and shilajit stood out because it’s naturally rich and has been used for centuries. I’ve tried it in liquid form before, but definitely prefer tablet form as you can swallow it with water.
Shilajit tastes very earthy — almost like dirt — but I don’t mind it. I will say it is very strong so getting it in tablet form is best if you aren't into strong tasting foods.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Shilajit Made Of?
- What Is Shilajit Used For?
- The Takeaway
- Scientific Research
What Is Shilajit Made Of?
Shilajit is a dark, sticky, resin‐like substance that seeps from rock crevices in high mountain ranges—most famously the Himalayas, but also the Altai, Caucasus, Pamir, and beyond.
It's the product of centuries—or even millennia—of decomposed plant material melding with mineral matter under pressure and microbial activity.
Rich in humic and fulvic acids (making up 60–80% of its bioactive content), along with minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, trace elements), amino acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and more.
What Is Shilajit Used For?
- Anti-Aging & Longevity — The fulvic acid in shilajit has antioxidant properties and may protect cells from oxidative stress—though at high doses it could paradoxically increase oxidative stress.
- Cognitive Support & Alzheimer’s — Lab studies suggest fulvic acid may disrupt amyloid and tau protein buildup linked to Alzheimer’s.
- Testosterone & Male Fertility — A 2010 trial found that infertile men taking shilajit (100 mg twice daily for 90 days) experienced improvements in sperm count and motility. A 2016 study reported that shilajit significantly increased total and free testosterone.
- Bone Health — A 2022 trial in post-menopausal women with osteopenia found that 500 mg/day of shilajit for nearly a year supported bone mineral density by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone turnover.
- Muscle Strength & Fatigue — A randomized controlled trial in 2019 with 63 men showed that 500 mg/day improved muscle strength retention and recovery over 8 weeks compared to placebo and lower dose (250 mg).
- Cholesterol & Metabolism — A small 2003 study (aged 16–30 participants) observed lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels after 45 days of 2 g/day of shilajit—though results need validation. Research also suggests potential benefits for liver health and metabolic markers.
- Viral Activity (Lab Studies) — Early lab tests found shilajit can inhibit viruses like herpes and RSV—but it’s a long leap from petri dish to human efficacy.
The Takeaway
There still aren’t many large-scale scientific studies on shilajit, but interest is growing as more people discover its traditional use and potential benefits. For me, the biggest draw is its rich mineral content — especially iron — which makes it an easy way to support my daily nutrition.