Are There Any Potential Adverse Effects of Shilajit?

In short: Purified, lab-tested Shilajit has a well-established safety profile with few adverse effects at recommended doses. The primary risks come from unpurified or low-quality products containing heavy metals or mycotoxins. Certain groups — including pregnant women and those with specific medical conditions — should avoid Shilajit or consult a GP before use.

Safety Profile of Purified Shilajit

The most comprehensive safety study was conducted by Velmurugan et al. (2012). In a 91-day repeated dosage study, purified Shilajit showed no adverse effects on haematological markers, liver function, kidney function, or organ histology. The key word is purified — raw, unprocessed Shilajit carries significant contamination risks.

Known Potential Adverse Effects

• Digestive discomfort — mild nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Taking with food or warm water typically resolves this.
• Increased iron levels — problematic for people with haemochromatosis.
• Lowered blood pressure — caution for people on antihypertensive medication.
• Allergic reactions — rare. Discontinue if rash, itching, or breathing difficulty occurs.

Risks from Unpurified Shilajit

Raw Shilajit can contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium), mycotoxins, free radicals, and microbial contamination. Independent third-party laboratory testing — such as Eurofins certification — is essential. Every batch of our Shilajit Gold+ products is Eurofins-tested before release.

Who Should Avoid Shilajit

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with haemochromatosis
• People with active kidney disease
• People with gout
• Children

Drug Interactions

Caution is advised for people taking iron supplements, antihypertensive medications, hormone replacement therapy, or anticoagulants. Consult your GP or pharmacist before starting Shilajit if on any prescription medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a downside to taking Shilajit?

Potential digestive discomfort, increased iron absorption, and contamination risk from low-quality products. These risks are mitigated by choosing a purified, independently lab-tested product and taking it with food.

Can Shilajit cause liver damage?

No clinical evidence that purified Shilajit at recommended doses causes liver damage. The 91-day safety study found no adverse effects on liver function. Unpurified Shilajit containing heavy metals could theoretically cause hepatotoxicity.

Can you take Shilajit long-term?

Safety data supports daily use for at least 90 days. Long-term safety beyond this has not been formally studied in humans, but Shilajit has been used continuously in Ayurvedic practice for centuries.

Does Shilajit decrease size?

No. There is no clinical evidence that Shilajit reduces organ size or muscle mass. This claim is not supported by research.

Choosing a Safe Shilajit Product

Look for: independent third-party lab testing (e.g. Eurofins), verified fulvic acid content (60%+), batch testing certificates, and no fillers or undisclosed additives.

Our Shilajit Gold+ Capsules and Shilajit Gold+ Resin are both Eurofins batch-tested, vegan-certified, and filler-free. View our lab certificates.

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References

Velmurugan C, et al. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012. PubMed
Pandit S, et al. Andrologia. 2016. PubMed

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