Shilajit Side Effects & Safety: What You Need to Know
Share
In short: Purified, lab-tested shilajit at recommended doses has few documented side effects. The most common are mild digestive discomfort and increased iron absorption. The most serious risks come from unpurified products containing heavy metals. Certain groups should avoid shilajit entirely.
Documented Side Effects of Purified Shilajit
At recommended doses (250–500mg per day of purified extract), the following side effects have been reported:
- Digestive discomfort — mild nausea or stomach upset, particularly on an empty stomach. Taking with food resolves this in most cases.
- Increased iron absorption — fulvic acid enhances iron uptake. Problematic for people with haemochromatosis (iron overload).
- Mild hypotensive effect — some animal studies suggest a mild blood pressure-lowering effect. Relevant for people on antihypertensive medication.
- Allergic reactions — rare, but possible in individuals sensitive to humic substances.
The Real Risk: Unpurified Shilajit
The most serious risks associated with shilajit come from unpurified or poorly tested products. Raw shilajit can contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium), mycotoxins, and microbial contaminants. Regular consumption of contaminated shilajit can cause heavy metal toxicity — a serious health risk.
This is why independent third-party lab testing is essential. At 5 Rivers Nutrition, every batch of our shilajit capsules and shilajit resin is tested by Eurofins for heavy metals and purity before release. View our lab certificates →
Who Should Not Take Shilajit
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with haemochromatosis (iron overload)
- People with active kidney disease
- People with gout
- Children under 18
- Anyone on prescription medication — consult your GP first
Choose Purified, Lab-Tested Shilajit
Quality matters with shilajit. Our products are purified and independently lab-tested by Eurofins for heavy metals and purity, so you can choose shilajit capsules or shilajit resin with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of shilajit?
The most common side effects are mild digestive discomfort (especially on an empty stomach) and increased iron absorption. Serious risks come from unpurified products containing heavy metals — eliminated by using a Eurofins-verified product.
Why does lab testing matter for shilajit?
Untested raw shilajit may contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury. Independent lab testing confirms purity and gives you confidence in what you're taking.
Who should avoid shilajit?
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, taking prescription medication, or managing conditions such as haemochromatosis or kidney disease should speak to a healthcare professional before using shilajit.
Can shilajit cause liver damage?
There is no clinical evidence that purified shilajit at recommended doses causes liver damage. A 91-day safety study (Velmurugan et al., 2012) found no adverse effects on liver function. Unpurified products containing mycotoxins or heavy metals could theoretically pose a risk.
Is shilajit legal in the UK?
Yes — shilajit is legal in the UK as a food supplement under the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003, provided it is sold responsibly and does not make unauthorised health claims.
Aman Singh
Founder of 5 Rivers Nutrition. | Last reviewed: May 2026
References
Velmurugan C, et al. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012. PubMed