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Shilajit Extract

Q: Is Shilajit safe to use?

Processed Shilajit is generally considered safe within recommended doses. Caution is advised for crude or unprocessed forms and in special populations such as those with diabetes or undergoing surgery.

Q: When and how should I take Shilajit?

Shilajit can be taken once or twice a day, but there is no specific timing recommendation. Follow the instructions on the product label and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Q: What results can I expect from taking Shilajit?

Based on available evidence, users may expect improvements in muscular strength and testosterone levels. However, individual results may vary, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Q: What is the difference between Shilajit, fulvic acid, and humic acid?

Shilajit is a complex substance containing fulvic acid, humic acid, and other components. It is often confused with fulvic or humic acid alone, but it is a distinct substance with a broader range of constituents.

Also known as: Shilajit, Asphaltum, Mineral Pitch

Overview

Shilajit is a complex, tar-like substance that seeps from rocks in high mountain ranges, particularly in Asia. It's a naturally occurring mixture of decomposed plant and microbial matter. Its composition varies depending on the source and environmental conditions, but it generally contains fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, minerals, and amino acids. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is promoted for a variety of health benefits, including improving energy levels, enhancing athletic performance, and supporting male reproductive health. Research suggests potential benefits for muscular strength, fatigue reduction, and testosterone levels, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish optimal usage guidelines. It is available in various forms, including powders and capsules, and is often processed to improve bioavailability and safety.

Benefits

Shilajit has shown potential benefits in several areas, though further research is needed to confirm these effects. Studies indicate that Shilajit supplementation may improve muscular strength and reduce fatigue. An 8-week study found that 500 mg/day of Shilajit significantly reduced the decline in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength in recreationally active men (p < 0.05). Additionally, Shilajit may increase testosterone levels in middle-aged men. A 90-day study showed that 250 mg twice daily significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS levels in healthy male volunteers aged 45-55 years (p < 0.05). Shilajit is also known for its antioxidant properties, though specific clinical outcomes related to this effect are not well-documented in human studies.

How it works

Shilajit's mechanism of action is believed to involve its antioxidant properties and its ability to enhance cellular energy production. The dibenzo-α-pyrones and fulvic acids present in Shilajit may play key roles in these processes. It interacts with the muscular and endocrine systems, as evidenced by its effects on muscular strength and testosterone levels. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, they are thought to involve pathways related to energy metabolism and hormone regulation. The absorption and bioavailability of Shilajit's components are not well-studied, but it is generally taken orally in processed form to enhance bioavailability.

Side effects

Processed Shilajit is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses (up to 2 grams daily for 45 days or up to 500 mg daily for up to 48 weeks). However, there is limited information on the safety of crude or unprocessed Shilajit. Common side effects are not well-documented due to insufficient reliable information. Shilajit may interact with diabetes medications by lowering blood sugar levels, requiring close monitoring of blood sugar. It should be avoided at least 2 weeks before surgery due to its potential to lower blood sugar and interfere with blood sugar control. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised in individuals with diabetes and those undergoing surgery.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Shilajit is not well-established, but studies have used doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg per day. Optimal dosages have been observed in the range of 250 mg to 500 mg per day for specific outcomes such as muscular strength and testosterone levels. The maximum safe dose is up to 2 grams daily for 45 days or up to 500 mg daily for up to 48 weeks for processed Shilajit. There is no specific timing recommendation, but it is generally taken orally once or twice a day. Processed Shilajit is recommended over crude or unprocessed forms due to better safety and bioavailability profiles.

FAQs

Is Shilajit safe to use?

Processed Shilajit is generally considered safe within recommended doses. Caution is advised for crude or unprocessed forms and in special populations such as those with diabetes or undergoing surgery.

When and how should I take Shilajit?

Shilajit can be taken once or twice a day, but there is no specific timing recommendation. Follow the instructions on the product label and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

What results can I expect from taking Shilajit?

Based on available evidence, users may expect improvements in muscular strength and testosterone levels. However, individual results may vary, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.

What is the difference between Shilajit, fulvic acid, and humic acid?

Shilajit is a complex substance containing fulvic acid, humic acid, and other components. It is often confused with fulvic or humic acid alone, but it is a distinct substance with a broader range of constituents.

Research Sources

https://jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/6677 – This systematic review assesses the clinical efficacy and safety of Shilajit. It highlights that while Shilajit shows promise in various health conditions, the evidence is still limited. The review emphasizes the need for further rigorous studies to establish its clinical efficacy and safety definitively.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1697/shilajit – This WebMD article provides a general overview of Shilajit, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes that Shilajit is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and highlights the importance of using processed forms to ensure safety and bioavailability.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30728074/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength. The study found that Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg/day reduced the decline in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength and decreased serum hydroxyproline levels in recreationally active men compared to placebo.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381629607_SYSTEMATIC_REVIEW_OF_SHILAJIT_CLINICAL_EFFICACY_AND_SAFETY – This systematic review examines the clinical efficacy and safety of Shilajit. It concludes that while Shilajit shows potential benefits for various health conditions, the evidence is still limited and requires further rigorous studies to establish its clinical efficacy and safety definitively.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26395129/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the effects of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy male volunteers aged 45-55 years. The study found that purified Shilajit at 250 mg twice a day significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) levels compared to placebo.