Aussi appelé “larme d’Himalaya” ou “moumiyo”, le shilajit est un liquide minéral noirâtre provient des régions montagneuses de l’Himalaya, du Caucase et de l’Altaï.
Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, this mineral resin has traditionally been considered a natural remedy for fatigue, cognitive decline, decreased libido, and to boost immunity.
Shilajit would owe all these benefits to its richness in active compounds and micronutrients, such as:
- fulvic acid
- humic acid
- minerals and trace elements
- amino acids
- vitamins
With all these health claims, it didn’t take long for shilajit to gain popularity in the dietary supplements market.
Derrière cette réputation glorieuse, le shilajit est-il vraiment un allié pour votre santé ? Comporte-t-il des risques ? On fait le tour de la question.
A supplement with promising benefits… but still uncertain
I often see supplements like shilajit, whose reputation is largely based on traditional use. But a few scientific publications have also explored its benefits. On paper, shilajit seems promising:
- neuroprotective role against certain lesions associated with brain aging
- stimulation of testosterone
- improvement in energy levels and muscle strength
- strengthening of natural defenses
- even a cardioprotective effect at low doses
With some perspective on the literature, we must be honest: the majority of these data come from studies conducted on animals or from very preliminary work. We are therefore still far from solid evidence in humans.
What are the observed dangers of shilajit?
A risk of heavy metal contamination
Le marché du shilajit étant en pleine expansion, la qualité variable du produit fini, ou encore la possibilité d’interactions médicamenteuses peuvent être néfastes pour la santé.
Puisque le shilajit est une substance naturelle extraite directement de la roche, il peut être source de contamination. Un exemple de plus montrant que le “naturel” n’est pas toujours gage de sécurité d’utilisation.
Plus exactement, certains produits analysés lors d’études scientifiques montrent la présence de métaux lourds tels que :
- lead
- arsenic
- mercury
These heavy metal levels have sometimes even exceeded the allowable limits set by the WHO and the FDA. Fortunately, this does not concern the majority of products, as stated by this review.
I advise you to strongly avoid unpurified shilajit and to favor only laboratory-tested products.
Des interactions médicamenteuses
Dans le cas du choix d’un produit de qualité, il existe tout de même un risque en cas de prise de traitement médicamenteux.
The nutritional richness of shilajit and its adaptogenic properties make it likely to interact with certain medications, but these effects are still very poorly documented.
Fulvic acid could affect the levels of certain thyroid hormones, which could disrupt the effectiveness of thyroid hormone treatments.
This study indicates an immune modulation, thus theoretically affecting the use of immunosuppressants.
There is also a risk of interaction with antihypertensive medications or antidiabetic treatments, although, to date, the evidence remains limited and difficult to confirm.
Si vous prenez un traitement ou souffrez d’une pathologie chronique, je vous recommande vivement de demander conseil à un professionnel de santé avant de débuter une cure.
Does it have adverse effects and contraindications?
Adverse effects on the digestive system
Like all dietary supplements, shilajit is not without side effects:
- des troubles digestifs (nausées, vomissements, diarrhées), notamment en début de cure ou si vous dépassez la dose recommandée
- the development of an allergy. If you notice skin rashes or breathing difficulties, stop taking your supplement immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Dois-je éviter la prise de shilajit ?
Il est déconseillé aux différentes catégories de personnes suivantes de prendre du shilajit sans avis médical :
- the pregnant and breastfeeding women, out of caution and due to lack of scientific evidence
- the children and adolescents
- people on long-term medication, in case of drug interactions
- people with hormonal disorders
My advice for safer use
Always check the product quality
Not all supplements are equal, and shilajit is no exception. Its quality can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another.
To limit risks, prefer reputable brands, European or even French, whose communication is clear, both about the product’s geographic origin and the extraction processes and, above all, the results of purity tests.
Dose cautiously, according to recommendations
There is no officially validated dosage for shilajit. I therefore recommend that you strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.
Always start with the smallest dose, especially if this is your first course, observe your tolerance, and increase if needed (always within the limit given by the manufacturer).
Also check your other supplements: some may already contain iron, zinc or other metals: beware of cumulative intake and unwanted excesses when combining them.
Sources and scientific studies
- Kamgar, E. et al, 2025, Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine.
- Hussain, A., & Saeed, A., 2024, Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms.
- Yamada, P., et al, 2007, Inhibitory effect of fulvic acid extracted from Canadian sphagnum peat on chemical mediator release by RBL-2H3 and KU812 cells.
