As a health professional, I’m used to seeing new supplements enter the market, claiming to solve everything from cancer to constipation. Often, these products don’t live up to the hype, leaving doctors to debunk myths and educate people on the lack of evidence behind the claims. So, when my brothers said they were using the latest ‘super supplement’ shilajit, I decided to do some research on it.
Shilajit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. A sticky, tar-like substance that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas, it is formed from the slow decomposition of plants and organic matter over hundreds of years. Known as the “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness”, this resin has been credited with a vast range of health benefits, from improving mental clarity to enhancing vitality. Although there is some debate about its exact composition, shilajit is thought to contain more than 85 minerals, including iron, magnesium and fulvic acid, a compound believed to be central to its health benefits. Despite its ancient roots, it’s always a red flag when there’s no clear consensus on exactly what a substance is, as it is harder to evaluate its potential risks and benefits. So, what does modern science have to say about what this ancient remedy can do for you?
Risks and benefits