The Truth About Shilajit - Does It Really Work?
Supplements like shilajit often rise in popularity because they promise broad benefits — more energy, improved cognition, and higher testosterone. But physiology is rarely driven by a single compound. Energy production depends on mitochondrial function, sleep quality, metabolic health, and endocrine regulation. Before asking whether shilajit “works,” it’s more useful to ask what mechanism it might influence. Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin traditionally sourced from mountainous regions and contains fulvic acid along with trace elements. Small clinical trials suggest possible effects on mitochondrial efficiency, fatigue, and testosterone levels in certain populations. However, the data remains limited in scale and duration. Quality control is also a genuine concern, as contamination with heavy metals has been documented in poorly regulated products. Evidence exists, but it is not definitive. I’m Dr Adnan Azad, a UK-based medical doctor and pharmacist with nearly 15 years of clinical experience in metabolic and preventative medicine. My focus is on examining health claims through physiology and clinical data rather than marketing trends. Shilajit may have a role in specific contexts, but it is not a substitute for sleep optimisation, metabolic stability, resistance training, or nutritional adequacy. Individuals with medical conditions, those on prescription medications, or anyone considering long-term supplementation should discuss this with their own clinician before starting. 00:00 The Question Around Shilajit 00:40 What Shilajit Actually Is 01:05 Fulvic Acid and Mitochondrial Function 01:25 Testosterone and Clinical Data 01:50 Quality and Contamination Concerns 02:25 When It May Be Reasonable to Consider This video is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Always speak to your own doctor regarding your health. References Pandit S et al. Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels. Andrologia. 2016. Carrasco-Gallardo C et al. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential therapeutic applications. Int J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2012. Ghosal S. Chemistry of shilajit and its bioactive constituents. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991. NHS UK. Food supplements guidance. 2023.
