Shilajit Safety, Side Effects and Quality

The Main Safety Issue Is Quality

Raw Shilajit can contain heavy metals and microbial contaminants. Purification is essential. Only use products with third party certificates of analysis that report heavy metals and microbiology.

Tolerability

Purified Shilajit is generally well tolerated at typical supplemental intakes. Mild digestive upset can occur in sensitive people when starting. Taking with a small meal or starting with a lower amount usually resolves this.

Who Should Avoid It

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to a lack of safety data. People with iron overload disorders such as haemochromatosis should avoid Shilajit. Those with serious kidney or liver disease should seek medical advice before use.

Medicines and Interactions

Because fulvic acid can enhance absorption, separate Shilajit by a couple of hours from important medicines. Monitor closely if you use medicines for blood sugar, blood pressure or lipids. There are no well established drug interactions, but caution is sensible.

Long Term Use

A ninety one day safety study reported no significant toxicity at high doses in animals. Traditional daily use over long periods is common. Many practitioners suggest occasional short breaks as a general tonic practice, although this is not a strict requirement.

References

Velmurugan C, et al. Safety profile of black Shilajit. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012.
Health Canada advisories on heavy metals in unlicensed Ayurvedic products. 2005.
US Food and Drug Administration information on supplement safety and good manufacturing practice.
Cleveland Clinic. Consumer safety guidance for Shilajit. 2025.
Verywell Health. Side effects and precautions summary. 2023.