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Shilajit - The Superstar Nutraceutical Ingredient You May Not Know About

Last updated: May-1,2023

Shilajit - The Superstar Nutraceutical Ingredient You May Not Know About

For centuries, shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties. The ingredient is renowned for its primary benefits, like enhancing physical strength and promoting human health. This article covers everything you need to know about shilajit – it can be the star ingredient of your next or your new supplement line. Keep scrolling to learn more!

What is Shilajit?

Found mostly in the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges in India, shilajit is a sticky substance formed through the slow decomposition of plants (centuries ago), and may be exuded from rocks. To elaborate, it is a pale-brown to blackish-brown exudation with varying consistency. Shilajit can also be sourced from Tibet, and other mountain ranges across the globe.[i],[ii]

It contains complex mixtures of organic humic substances and naturally occurring microbial and plant metabolites. Some studies also suggest that several other plant organisms, such as molds like Barbula, Fissidens, and others, may produce this ingredient.[iii]

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What Does Shilajit Do for the Body?

Today, pre-clinical investigations reveal shilajit’s great potential for helping promote health and wellness with its multifaceted properties. This implies that it may be used in many applications for enhancing human health in various aspects. Shilajit possesses properties like:

  • antioxidant
  • cognitive and memory enhancing
  • immunomodulating
  • anxiolytic†
  • analgesic‡
  • anti-inflammatory‡

Apart from the ones mentioned above, shilajit can show protective properties in high altitudes and may work as a neuroprotective agent to support cognitive health.[iv]

How Does Shilajit Work in the Human Body?

Shilajit is a Phyto complex with an abundant level of fulvic acid and humic substances (around 60-80%) and some oligo-elements like selenium that are vital sources of macro and micronutrients. Studies suggest that there is an increasing number of associations between fulvic acid and health benefits for animals and humans. As a source of fulvic acid, shilajit is believed to provide some of these benefits. In addition, it provides other phytochemicals which may contribute to its beneficial properties.[v]

What Are Shilajit's Health Benefits?

Clinical studies on shilajit have revealed just how powerful and beneficial this nutraceutical ingredient is. Some of shilajit's health benefits include its ability to improve digestion, reduce inflammation‡, offer immunity-support, and increase energy levels.

I recently covered some of shilajit's known health benefits in a podcast I recorded with our New Business Development Manager, Ryan Gillen, which you can watch by clicking on the image below:


In addition to the shilajit benefits already covered in this article and my podcast, here are some other ones you should know about before contacting a supplement contract manufacturer about including it in your next product:

Supports Male Sexual Health

Studies suggest that shilajit boosts serum level of testosterone and increases sperm count and thus, may help promote healthy male sexual function.

Promotes Hair Growth

According to studies, shilajit helps maintain hair health. Its benefits for hair may include slowing down hair loss (hair shedding) and promoting hair growth.

Promotes a Healthy Immune System

A robust immune system plays an important role in keeping the body healthy. Shilajit helps promote a healthy immune system. Studies reveal that shilajit can help protect against common high-altitude issues, UV radiation, dehydration, etc.

Supports Healthy Weight Loss and Building Muscle Mass

Shilajit helps promote fat-burning and muscle mass increase. It supports muscle building, metabolism-boosting, and weight loss. So, it offers great appeal for bodybuilders and can function as a natural complement to popular protein supplements.[vi]

Promotes Heart Health

Having an altered lipid profile is not consistent with maintaining heart health. In research, shilajit helped maintain healthy triglycerides and cholesterol levels already withing healthy ranges, including good cholesterol "HDL."[vii],[viii]

Cognitive Support

Around 10% of Americans aged 65 or older have Alzheimer’s. Age-related memory impairment (e.g. “Where did I leave my keys?”) is common as we get older, and should not be confused with dementiaResearch suggests shilajit may help support a healthy balance of proteins in the brain which have protective effects for brain cells.[ix]

Another study showed that its administration help promote neuroprotective effects in the event of post-traumatic injuries.

Supports Healthy Energy Levels

Due to a variety of lifestyle factors, it is not unusual for some people to experience some degree of ongoing or chronic fatigue Researchers believe that shilajit can work as a useful supplement to reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue and may assist in the restoration of energy.[x],[xi]

Supports Healthy Anti-Aging

For centuries, shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicines as an anti-aging compound, and is known for its rejuvenating benefits. The credit, in part, goes to the oligo-elements like selenium, present in shilajit.

Benefits of Shilajit for Women's Health

Shilajit has mainly been found to be beneficial for women’s health in several ways.[xii]

  • Shilajit helps support a healthy balance of various hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, that regulate the menstrual cycle.
  • Shilajit may assist in reducing menstrual symptoms such as cramps and pain, as well as aiding regular periods.
  • The super-antioxidant properties of fulvic acid can also strengthen and stimulate the body’s immune system.

What is the Recommended Daily Intake for Shilajit?

Studies recommend having 300-500 mg of shilajit every day for deriving optimum health benefits. According to research, the intake of shilajit powder with milk can ensure optimal blood levels and efficacy.

What's the Takeaway?

With its multitude of health benefits, shilajit is becoming increasingly popular[xiii] and holds substantial potential as a preferred health supplement. Popular delivery formats of shilajit include powders and capsules.

With over 120 years of contract dietary supplement manufacturing experience, NutraScience Labs has successfully helped first-time and established brand owners create and bring high-quality nutraceutical products to the market. In addition to best-in-class contract manufacturing, we also offer award-winning packaging, labeling, and fulfillment services, which save our customers countless amounts of time, money, and stress.

Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help you create a dietary supplement that's custom manufactured to your specifications. Call 855-492-7388 today to speak with one of our representatives or send us your request to receive a free price quote!

†May help relieve stress-related anxiety.

‡May help relieve pain and inflammation due to physical over-exertion.


References:

[i] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2100

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/#B4

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/#B4

[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/

[v] https://microbeformulas.com/blogs/microbe-formulas/10-important-benefits-of-fulvic-acid

[vi] https://lostempireherbs.com/benefits-pure-shilajit-muscle-building/

[vii] https://www.womenbuddha.com/benefits-of-shilajit-for-women/

[viii] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-014-9245-3

[ix] https://www.medlife.com/blog/shilajit-top-9-health-benefits-women/

[x] https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/index.html

[xi] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112003893#:~:text=Shilajit%20reversed%20the%20CFS%2Dinduced,indicating%20modulation%20of%20HPA%20axis.

[xii] https://www.womenbuddha.com/benefits-of-shilajit-for-women/

[xiii] https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=US&q=shilajit%20benefits

September 2nd, 2020

About the Author:

 
Gene Bruno

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) - Mr. Bruno possesses over 43 years of dietary supplement industry experience. With a Master's degree in nutrition and a second Master's degree in herbal medicine, he has a proven track record of formulating innovative, evidence-based dietary supplements. Mr. Bruno currently serves as both the Senior Director of Product Innovation at Twinlab Corporation and Professor of Nutraceutical Science at Huntington University of Health Sciences.