Shilajit (also spelled shilajeet, meaning “conqueror of mountains” in Sanskrit) is a blackish-brown resinous substance that exudes from rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges — primarily the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus and Atlas mountains. It forms over thousands of years from the slow decomposition of plant matter compressed between rock layers. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Unani Tibb (Islamic traditional medicine) for strength, vitality and cognitive enhancement, shilajit is now one of the fastest-growing supplement categories in the UK. Here is what the science shows.
What Is Shilajit and What Does It Contain?
Authentic shilajit is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. Its primary bioactives are:
- Fulvic acid (60–80% of organic matter) — the principal bioactive. A low-molecular-weight organic acid that acts as a carrier molecule, enhancing cellular absorption of minerals and nutrients. Fulvic acid also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial support properties.
- Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs) — unique to shilajit. These compounds support mitochondrial electron transport and are proposed as the primary mechanism behind shilajit’s energy enhancement effects.
- Humic acid — contributes antioxidant activity and prebiotic effects on gut bacteria.
- Over 84 trace minerals — in ionic form, including iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese and silicon.
What Does the Clinical Evidence Show?
Testosterone and male reproductive health — strongest evidence
Evidence: Strong — two well-designed RCTs
A 2016 RCT published in Andrologia (n=96 infertile men) found shilajit supplementation (200mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days) significantly increased total sperm count (+61%), motility (+12%) and normal sperm morphology (+18%). Serum testosterone increased by 23.5% and FSH normalised. A 2015 RCT in healthy male volunteers (45–55 years) found 250mg purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days significantly increased total testosterone (+20.45%), free testosterone (+18.8%) and DHEA (+31.4%) versus placebo. These are among the most compelling testosterone trials for any non-pharmaceutical supplement.
Energy production and fatigue — good mechanistic and moderate clinical evidence
Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones in shilajit support coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in its function as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Research suggests DBPs prevent CoQ10 from being prematurely oxidised, extending its time in the active (reduced ubiquinol) form. This theoretically improves mitochondrial ATP production efficiency. Animal studies confirm reduced fatigue and improved physical performance. Human clinical trials show significant reductions in fatigue scores and improvements in perceived energy in adults with chronic fatigue-like symptoms.
Cognitive function — emerging evidence
Fulvic acid has demonstrated ability to inhibit tau protein aggregation in vitro — tau tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. A 2012 paper in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease proposed shilajit’s fulvic acid content as a potential Alzheimer’s preventive compound. Clinical human trials specifically for cognition are limited — this application remains at the early evidence stage.
Iron deficiency anaemia — good evidence
A clinical study found shilajit supplementation in women with iron deficiency anaemia significantly increased haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell count more than iron supplementation alone — suggesting fulvic acid enhances iron absorption and utilisation.
Is Shilajit Halal? The Complete Answer
This is the most-asked question about shilajit in Muslim communities and deserves a detailed answer.
Shilajit is a mineral resin of geological origin — it is not derived from any animal, alcohol fermentation or other obviously haram process. In its origin, it is permissible (halal) under Islamic law. However, three considerations apply:
- Heavy metal contamination risk — raw, unprocessed shilajit from unregulated sources has been found to contain elevated levels of lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. This is not a halal issue but a safety issue. Purified, GMP-tested shilajit at pharmacopoeial grade eliminates this risk. Always choose shilajit that specifies “purified” with heavy metal testing certificates.
- Processing aids — some shilajit products use alcohol-based extraction processes. This should be confirmed with the manufacturer — aqueous (water-based) extraction is the halal-compliant method.
- Capsule shell — standard capsules may contain gelatine. HPMC plant-derived capsules are the halal-compliant format.
Authentic, purified shilajit in HPMC capsules from a halal-certified manufacturer is permissible for UK Muslims.
H&B vs Authentic Shilajit: The Quality Gap
Holland & Barrett sells shilajit but provides minimal information about purification standards, fulvic acid content or heavy metal testing. For a supplement with documented heavy metal risks in unpurified forms, this transparency gap matters. When choosing any shilajit product, demand: purification confirmation, fulvic acid percentage per serving, and third-party heavy metal testing documentation.
Dosage and Timing
Clinical trials use 200–500mg purified shilajit daily. Fulvic acid content should be specified — look for products standardised to 50–60% fulvic acid. Take with warm water or milk (traditional use); fat-soluble components absorb better with food. Effects are cumulative — most trials run 60–90 days for testosterone and energy outcomes. Start at lower doses to assess tolerance.
BioBodyBoost is developing a purified, halal-certified shilajit product with verified fulvic acid content and full heavy metal testing. For testosterone and energy support in the interim: ZenBlend (ashwagandha — the most evidence-backed testosterone-supporting adaptogen) · Magnesium 3 Complex (zinc — directly required for testosterone synthesis) · Daily Multi Complex (CoQ10 precursors). All halal certified, UK GMP. Browse the full range.
