Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone Levels?

Key Takeaways:

• Shilajit is a substance traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine that’s commonly marketed as a testosterone booster.

• Evidence that shilajit increases testosterone is weak, based mostly on small studies that have a high risk of bias.

• Some shilajit supplements may be contaminated with toxic heavy metals like mercury and arsenic. The composition of shilajit varies based on the source.
  

If you’ve come across “testosterone boosting” supplements containing shilajit, you may be curious if they actually work. Does shilajit increase testosterone, and is it safe to take?

Here, we’ll take a look at the current scientific evidence linking shilajit to improved testosterone levels. We’ll also examine some of the other areas of research surrounding the substance.

Shilajit has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, and more recently has become a trendy ingredient in testosterone-boosting supplements.

Shilajit is a naturally occurring, tar-like substance formed over centuries through the decomposition of mostly plants and mineral-rich matter. For hundreds of years, traditional healers have considered it to be adaptogenic (meaning it helps the body adapt to stress), anti-aging, and restorative.

It’s traditionally been harvested from the Himalayas, and it has long been used in Ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicine.

Traditionally, it’s been used for a variety of purposes, such as boosting energy levels or treating:

• Injuries

• Male infertility

• Skin disease

• Nervous system disorders

The exact composition of shilajit can depend on where it’s harvested from, but researchers in a 2023 study found that it contains the following:

• Humic substances (organic compounds or residues formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter)

• Fulvic acid, an antioxidant formed during the decomposition process

• Minerals, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium

• Amino acids (mainly glycine)

• Proteins

• Fatty acids

• Bioactive compounds such as caffeic acid and gallic acid

• Heavy metals, including essential minerals for human health and those that are potentially toxic

Proponents of shilajit often claim that at least some of its health benefits come from the fulvic acid, which is thought to protect against oxidative stress in the body (an imbalance that may lead to cell damage and disease). However, there’s been effectively no human research examining the effects of this substance.

Recently, shilajit has emerged as a common ingredient in testosterone boosters. Many supplement companies say it can boost both free testosterone and total testosterone.

If you’re not familiar, testosterone boosters are dietary supplements that claim to increase testosterone levels. Because they're classified as supplements, not medications, they’re not approved by the FDA. Instead, they’re regulated the same way as food products.

Many supplement companies make inaccurate claims about their products. For example, in a 2019 review, researchers found that 90 percent of the testosterone-boosting products they reviewed claimed to “boost T.” Of these products, less than a quarter had data showing an increase in testosterone levels, and 10 percent had data showing a decrease in testosterone levels.

When it comes to shilajit specifically, some research suggests it could be beneficial for testosterone levels, but the evidence is weak.

In a 2023 review of 27 of the most common ingredients marketed to increase testosterone, purified shilajit extract (from the brand PrimaVie) was found to be potentially effective for increasing testosterone in men with late-stage hypogonadism (low testosterone that develops late in life), but the researchers noted that the studies they reviewed were prone to bias because they were funded by a manufacturer of shilajit supplements.

For example, one 2015 study directly examined the effect of shilajit on testosterone in a group of middle-aged men. The researchers found that 90 days of daily supplementation at 25 milligrams per day increased free testosterone in healthy men compared to a placebo. But the study was small and funded by Natreon, which sells shilajit under the name PrimaVie.

While studies funded by supplement manufacturers are not necessarily worthless, the results need to be very cautiously interpreted because they’re prone to bias. For instance, it’s possible for the manufacturer to run multiple studies investigating a substance and only publish the results of those that find the desired outcome.

Beyond the question of whether shilajit can actually increase testosterone, there’s the issue of possible risks or side effects from this supplement.

The composition of shilajit can vary among sources, and concerns have been raised about heavy metal poisoning. Research suggests shilajit contains significant amounts of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, which can be toxic to humans at certain levels.

Mercury poisoning, for example, can have many negative effects on the human body, such as:

• Tremors

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Headaches

• Nervousness

• Insomnia

• Weakness or muscle twitching

Mercury poisoning is also a potential cause of low testosterone.

Although researchers haven’t directly connected shilajit to problems with testosterone, it would still be prudent to exercise caution before taking shilajit products.

In theory, commercial products should be purified of heavy metals, but poor regulation of supplements in the U.S. means that the quality of purification could vary significantly among manufacturers and even batches.

Researchers are continuing to examine other potential benefits of shilajit, although most current research is in the early stages and of low quality. Some of the potential benefits under investigation include:

• Support for bone health or bone density

• Reduction of inflammation via anti-inflammatory properties

• Reducing iron-deficiency anemia

• Preventing cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease

• Improving sperm count

• Improving overall wellness

• Helping reduce stress or improve cortisol levels

• Aiding mitochondrial function

None of these benefits has been scientifically established in humans.

There’s not enough evidence to say whether shilajit can effectively boost testosterone or benefit your overall health. The claims that shilajit increases testosterone in humans largely come from one small study funded by the manufacturer of the shilajit product used in the study, which calls the results into question. Placebo-controlled clinical trials need to be done before claims of any potential benefits can be taken seriously.

The FDA  doesn’t approve shilajit or other supplements, so it’s important to be very cautious before taking these products. Quality can vary widely, and we don’t know for sure what the substance’s possible side effects are. Researchers have raised concerns about contamination with heavy metals like arsenic and mercury found in shilajit that can lead to toxicity.

If you're considering adding shilajit to your supplement routine, it’s best to consult your primary healthcare provider or another qualified healthcare professional to ensure it's appropriate for your circumstances. You can talk to a healthcare provider through our telehealth service to avoid needing to go into a clinic to see a doctor in person.

Does shilajit really boost testosterone?

There’s not a lot of evidence that shilajit can increase testosterone. If you do have low testosterone levels, you may be able to boost your levels through research-backed methods, such as lifestyle changes or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Talk to a healthcare provider to determine the right approach for you.

Is shilajit FDA-approved?

No, shilajit is not FDA-approved because it is sold as a supplement, and supplements are not approved for safety or effectiveness before they’re marketed.

Are there any risks of taking shilajit?

One of the main dangers of taking shilajit is the risk that products might be contaminated with heavy metals like mercury and lead. These metals can potentially harm many aspects of your health, including your hormone health.