Shilajit
A blackish resin oozing from Himalayan rocks — humic / fulvic acids, mineral-rich. Modest testosterone, energy, and mitochondrial support.
Moderate evidence for testosterone elevation in men with low baseline (PrimaVie trials — 20% rise after 90 days), improved sperm quality, mitochondrial / energy support. Effects: 4–12 weeks.
Shilajit is a mineral-pitch substance found seeping from rocks in the Himalayas, Altai, and other high mountain ranges. It's a complex of fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-α-pyrones, and trace minerals — produced by centuries of plant and microbial decomposition under pressure. Modern trials (mostly small, mostly Indian) support modest testosterone elevation in men with low-normal baseline, improved sperm parameters, mitochondrial support, and anti-fatigue effects. Quality is the issue — fake / contaminated shilajit is rampant. Lab-tested resin from reputable sources only.
- Form
- Purified shilajit resin (PrimaVie is the patented, lab-tested standardised form used in most trials). Tablets and capsules also exist.
- Dose
- 250–500 mg/day of purified resin / PrimaVie.
- Timing
- AM with food.
- Schedule
- Daily, often cycled (5 days / 2 off).
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated when purified. Allergic reactions, increased uric acid in some.
- Interactions
- Diabetes medications — mild glucose lowering. Iron — shilajit contains iron, monitor in hemochromatosis. Anti-hypertensives — possible mild additive.
- Contraindications
- Hemochromatosis (iron content). Sickle-cell disease. Active gout (uric acid effects). Pregnancy / breastfeeding. Unverified / unpurified sources (heavy metal contamination risk).
- Lab markers
- Total + free testosterone. Ferritin (iron content). Uric acid if gout history.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Ashwagandha, tongkat ali (men's vitality stack). CoQ10, PQQ (mitochondrial support).
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