How Much Shilajit Per Day? Dosage Guide (2026)
Published trials used 200–500 mg/day of purified shilajit for up to 90 days, but the milligram number on the label means little without a standardized fulvic acid content. The testosterone trial used 250 mg twice daily.
Published trials used 200–500 mg/day of purified, standardized shilajit, but the critical variable for shilajit dosage is fulvic acid concentration, not total milligrams. PrimaVie® (the extract used in the Pandit 2016 testosterone RCT) is standardized to ≥60% fulvic acid (Pandit et al., 2016, Andrologia). Dr. Sidney Stohs at Creighton University reviewed shilajit safety and found unpurified resin may contain lead, mercury, and arsenic above acceptable limits (Stohs, 2014, Phytotherapy Research), making independent heavy-metal testing essential regardless of how much shilajit per day you take.
Shilajit dosing is trickier than most supplements because "500 mg of shilajit" from one brand can deliver a completely different amount of active compounds than "500 mg of shilajit" from another. This guide covers what the clinical trials actually used, how to match those protocols, and how to avoid underdosed products.
What the Clinical Trials Used
Shilajit trials used roughly 250 to 500 mg/day of purified extract. Pandit (2016) used 250 mg twice daily for testosterone over 90 days; other studies used 500 mg for energy and recovery. Lower doses near 250 mg suit general vitality, with 500 mg reserved for hormonal or performance goals.
Only a handful of human clinical trials have tested shilajit, but they give us clear dosing benchmarks. Here's what each study administered:
Pandit et al. (2016, Andrologia) — Testosterone study: 250 mg purified shilajit twice daily (500 mg total) for 90 days in healthy men aged 45–55. This produced a roughly 20% increase in total testosterone, increased free testosterone, and elevated DHEAS, with no adverse effects and stable gonadotropic hormones.
Keller et al. (2019, JISSN). Strength study: 500 mg/day of PrimaVie® purified shilajit for 8 weeks in recreationally active men. No adverse events were reported. The study measured muscular strength retention after fatiguing exercise.
Keller et al., 2019 (2019, JISSN) — Muscle recovery study: Shilajit supplementation was tested for its effects on muscle damage markers. No increase in creatine kinase or myoglobin was observed, suggesting shilajit doesn't cause tissue damage even during intense exercise.
The consistent pattern: 200–500 mg/day of purified extract, taken for 8–12 weeks, produces measurable effects without safety concerns.
How much shilajit should you take for your goal?
In the Pandit et al. trial (Andrologia, 2016), 250 mg of purified shilajit twice daily (500 mg/day) for 90 days significantly supported testosterone and DHEA in healthy men aged 45-55. No clinically significant adverse effects were reported during the study (Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016).
Different goals have slightly different evidence-backed dosing protocols based on what the clinical trials tested.
For testosterone support: 500 mg/day (250 mg morning + 250 mg evening), taken with food, for at least 90 days. This matches the Pandit et al. protocol. Don't expect changes at 2 weeks, the testosterone trial measured outcomes at 90 days.
For energy and vitality: 250–500 mg/day. Start at 250 mg in the morning for the first week. If tolerated, increase to 500 mg/day. The mitochondrial energy effects (CoQ10 enhancement, electron transport chain support) build gradually. Most researchers recommend at least 8 weeks.
For strength and exercise recovery: 500 mg/day, taken in the morning or 30–60 minutes before training. This matches the Keller et al. protocol. Effects were measured at 8 weeks.
For general adaptogenic support: 250 mg/day is a reasonable starting point. This provides exposure to fulvic acid and trace minerals without the higher dose used in targeted clinical protocols.
Why the Brand Matters More Than the Milligrams
With shilajit, purity matters more than the dose on the label. Raw shilajit can carry lead, arsenic, and mercury, so a third-party heavy-metal certificate of analysis is non-negotiable. A clean, lab-tested 250 to 500 mg beats a higher unverified dose every time.
| Goal | Recommended Dose | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone support | 250 mg 2×/day | 90 days | Pandit 2016 |
| General vitality | 250–500 mg/day | 60–90 days | Traditional + clinical |
| Exercise performance | 500 mg/day | 8 weeks | Keller 2019 |
| CoQ10 combined effect | 200 mg + CoQ10 | 12 weeks | Mechanistic rationale |
This is the most important section in this article. According to ConsumerLab's 2024 independent testing, fulvic acid content across eight commercial shilajit products ranged from 6.9 mg to 2,206 mg per serving, a nearly 32,000% difference.
That means "500 mg of shilajit" from one brand might deliver 300 mg of fulvic acid, while "500 mg" from another delivers 3 mg. They're not the same product. They share a name on the label and nothing else.
The clinical trials used standardized extracts with known fulvic acid concentrations, typically 50–60% fulvic acid by weight. If your product doesn't disclose fulvic acid content on the label, you can't compare it to clinical trial doses. You're guessing.
What to look for: standardized fulvic acid content (percentage or milligrams per serving disclosed on label), purified extract rather than raw resin, third-party testing for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), and Certificate of Analysis available for the specific batch. For more on quality concerns, see our Is Shilajit Safe guide.
How to Start: The Gradual Approach
Don't start at 500 mg/day. The clinical trials enrolled participants who were monitored by researchers — you're self-supplementing at home. A gradual approach lets you assess tolerance without unnecessary risk.
Week 1: 250 mg once daily, in the morning with food. Assess tolerance, watch for GI discomfort, headache, or changes in energy patterns.
Week 2: If tolerated, increase to 250 mg twice daily (morning + evening with meals) for a total of 500 mg/day.
Week 3–12: Maintain 500 mg/day. This is where the clinical trials measured their outcomes. Don't expect results at 2 weeks, testosterone and strength benefits took 8–12 weeks to appear in published research.
After 12 weeks: Reassess. The longest published shilajit trial is 90 days. If you plan to continue beyond that, periodic health checkups are a reasonable precaution, not because of any documented harm, but because longer-term data doesn't exist.
When should you take shilajit?
Take shilajit in the morning with food. If splitting the dose (500 mg/day), take 250 mg with breakfast and 250 mg with dinner. The morning timing aligns with the body's natural cortisol peak and energy metabolism cycle. Shilajit's adaptogenic properties, particularly the ashwagandha and tongkat ali in our formula, support daytime energy without stimulant effects.
The morning timing aligns with the body's natural cortisol peak and energy metabolism cycle. Shilajit's adaptogenic properties, particularly the ashwagandha and tongkat ali in our formula, support daytime energy without stimulant effects.
Avoid taking shilajit late at night on an empty stomach. While it's not a stimulant, some users report increased alertness that can interfere with sleep onset if taken within 2–3 hours of bedtime. For how other supplements should be timed, see our best time to take ashwagandha and best time to take NMN guides.
Shilajit Resin vs Capsules: Does Format Affect Dose?
Format changes convenience, not the target dose. Aim for 250 to 500 mg of purified shilajit daily whether you use resin, capsules, or gummies. Resin is the traditional, least-processed form; capsules standardize the dose and skip the strong taste. Either works if it's lab-tested.
The clinically validated shilajit dose is 250–500 mg/day of purified, standardized extract (PrimaVie, ≥50% fulvic acid). The testosterone trial (PMID: 26395129) used 250 mg twice daily for 90 days. Raw or unpurified shilajit carries documented heavy-metal contamination risk, only standardized extracts with batch-specific COAs are the safe form.
The resin format makes dosing imprecise, you're measuring a sticky, tar-like substance with a pea-sized scoop. The actual amount varies each time. Capsules deliver a standardized dose that matches what was tested in clinical trials. If accuracy matters to you (and for a clinical protocol, it should), capsules are the more reliable format.
What Happens If You Take Too Much?
No serious adverse events have been reported at doses up to 500 mg/day in published clinical trials. But shilajit contains approximately 65 heavy metals naturally, and higher doses mean higher mineral exposure, including trace amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
At standard doses from purified products, heavy metal levels fall below WHO and FDA permissible limits. At significantly higher doses (or from poorly purified products), accumulation becomes a theoretical concern. Don't exceed 500 mg/day without medical guidance. More isn't better; the clinical evidence supports 200–500 mg/day, not 1,000+.
Why We Chose This Formula
Our Shilajit Adaptogen Complex uses a 30:1 concentrated shilajit extract (400 mg per capsule) combined with ashwagandha root extract 30:1 (100 mg), tongkat ali root extract 300:1 (100 mg), and sea moss extract 20:1 (100 mg). We chose concentrated extracts rather than raw powder because standardized extracts deliver predictable amounts of active compounds, matching what clinical trials actually tested.
Every batch is tested by an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), identity, and potency. See our lab results page for published COAs.
What to look for on a shilajit label
Not all shilajit products are equivalent, and the label tells you more than the marketing copy. The clinical trials (Pandit 2016, Keller 2019) used purified, standardized shilajit with a minimum of 50% fulvic acid content. When you're evaluating a product, check three things: the fulvic acid percentage (≥50% is the clinical benchmark), whether it's undergone third-party heavy metal testing (lead, arsenic, mercury should all be below USP limits), and whether the dose is listed in milligrams per serving rather than as a proprietary blend. Resin forms tend to be less processed than capsules, but processing quality varies wildly. If a brand can't tell you the fulvic acid percentage, that's a product to skip.
A practical note on resin versus capsule forms: shilajit resin (the traditional form, dissolved in warm water or milk) offers fewer excipients and a more concentrated fulvic acid delivery, but the taste is intensely bitter and earthy. Capsules standardized to 50% or more fulvic acid are equally effective in the available trial data and much easier to dose consistently. Choose whichever form you will actually take daily for 90 days straight, because consistency matters more than format.
Related Research
- PMC Full Text
- PMC Full Text
- PubMed: 30728074
- PubMed: 39121783
- PubMed: 22482077
- PubMed: 19633611
- PubMed: 23733436
- PubMed: 12895672
Related Reading
- Shilajit Benefits for Women: Bone, Energy & Hormonal Health
- Shilajit Benefits for Men: Testosterone, Fertility & Energy
- How Long Does Shilajit Take To Work
- Shilajit Benefits For Men
What's new in shilajit research (2025–2026)?
In 2026, an open-label pilot enrolled 25 men on 500 mg/day shilajit over 12 weeks, measuring testosterone and physical performance. Both moved in a positive direction, though the study’s unblinded design limits how much weight the results carry until a controlled trial follows.
How do you dose shilajit gummies?
If you prefer shilajit gummies over capsules or resin, the dosing principles are identical: target 250 to 500 mg daily of purified shilajit standardized to ≥50% fulvic acid. Check the supplement facts panel for the actual shilajit content per gummy, some products list total gummy weight (2 to 3 grams) rather than active ingredient weight (250 to 500 mg), which can create confusion. Two gummies providing 250 mg each deliver the standard clinical dose used in the Pandit 2016 trial.
Does shilajit work? What two clinical trials can and cannot tell us
The honest answer: yes, purified shilajit produces measurable effects in the two published RCTs, but the evidence base is thin compared to more extensively studied supplements. The Pandit 2016 trial (90 days, 250 mg twice daily) measured a 20.4% increase in total testosterone and 18.6% increase in free testosterone versus placebo in healthy men aged 45 to 55. The Keller 2019 trial (n=63, 8 weeks, 500 mg daily) found improved muscle retention and reduced fatigue during high-intensity exercise in overweight adults.
What these trials cannot tell us: whether effects persist beyond 90 days (no long-term continuation data exists), whether women experience similar benefits (both trials enrolled only men or mixed cohorts without gender-stratified analysis), whether the effects are dose-linear (no dose-comparison trial has been published), and whether different shilajit sources produce different results (both trials used PrimaVie, a single branded extract). The evidence is real but narrow.
Shilajit para qué sirve?
Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years as a rasayana (rejuvenator), traditionally prescribed for vitality, cognitive function, and sexual health. The modern clinical evidence partially validates these traditional uses. The testosterone and exercise performance data align with the vitality claim. Fulvic acid's role as a mitochondrial electron shuttle aligns with the energy and cognitive function claims. The sexual health claim has indirect support through the testosterone pathway but has not been directly tested as a primary endpoint in any published RCT.
What modern evidence does not support: claims that shilajit "detoxifies" the body, "reverses aging," or treats specific diseases. These are marketing extensions of the traditional use claims that go beyond what the clinical data demonstrates. For the full evidence review, see shilajit benefits.
Resin vs capsule vs gummy, which dose is best?
Shilajit is available in three commercial formats, each with different dosing considerations. Understanding the differences ensures you achieve a clinical-equivalent dose regardless of which format yo Purified resin (traditional format): The most concentrated form. A pea-sized amount (approximately 300 to 500 mg) dissolved in warm water delivers the clinical dose.
Purified resin (traditional format): The most concentrated form. A pea-sized amount (approximately 300 to 500 mg) dissolved in warm water delivers the clinical dose. The resin is intensely bitter and has a strong, tar-like taste that many users find unpleasant. Quality varies enormously, some resin products are unpurified or adulterated. Always verify fulvic acid percentage (≥50%) and heavy metal testing. Dissolution test: authentic purified resin dissolves completely in warm water without sandy residue.
Capsules (most common): Purified shilajit extract in gelatin or vegetable capsule shells. Dosing is straightforward: the capsule label tells you exactly how many milligrams per unit. Typical serving: 1 to 2 capsules providing 250 to 500 mg total. No taste issue. Easier to verify quality through label claims and COA documentation. This is the format used in both the Pandit 2016 and Keller 2019 clinical trials.
Gummies (newest format): Shilajit extract in a pectin or gelatin gummy matrix with added flavoring to mask the bitter taste. Dosing: check the per-gummy shilajit content (not total gummy weight). Most gummies provide 250 to 500 mg per serving. The trade-offs: added sugar (2 to 4 grams per serving), potentially lower stability (gummy matrix exposes the extract to moisture), and higher cost per milligram. For the gummy safety analysis: is shilajit safe.
Regardless of format: the clinical dose target is 250 to 500 mg of purified shilajit standardized to ≥50% fulvic acid daily. The format changes the taste experience and price, not the pharmacology. See shilajit benefits for what this dose delivers.
How does shilajit dosing change by goal?
The two published shilajit RCTs used different doses for different endpoints, providing some guidance on goal-specific dosing. For testosterone support: The Pandit 2016 protocol used 250 mg twice daily (500 mg total) of PrimaVie purified shilajit for 90 days. The 20.4% testosterone increase was measured at this dose.
For testosterone support: The Pandit 2016 protocol used 250 mg twice daily (500 mg total) of PrimaVie purified shilajit for 90 days. The 20.4% testosterone increase was measured at this dose. Whether lower doses produce proportionally lower increases is untested, but the principle of "use the dose that was studied" applies here. See shilajit for men.
For exercise performance: The Keller 2019 protocol used 500 mg once daily of PrimaVie for 8 weeks. The improvements in muscle retention and fatigue reduction were measured at this single daily dose. This suggests that 500 mg as a single morning dose is sufficient for exercise-related benefits — splitting into 250 mg twice daily may not be necessary for this endpoint.
For general vitality and nutrient absorption: No formal dose-finding study has been published. The traditional Ayurvedic dose ranged from 300 to 500 mg of purified resin daily. Starting at 250 mg daily for 2 weeks and increasing to 500 mg if well-tolerated is the conservative approach that mirrors clinical trial ramp-up protocols.
Duration: Both published trials ran 8 to 12 weeks. The testosterone effects may require the full 90 days to manifest. Plan for at least 12 weeks of consistent daily use before evaluating whether shilajit is producing the outcome you are targeting. See how long shilajit takes to work.
How do you verify shilajit quality?
Shilajit's quality range is wider than any other supplement category because the source material varies enormously by geographic origin, altitude, purification method, and fulvic acid content. Here are the verification steps for each commercial format.
For resin: Authentic purified shilajit resin dissolves completely in warm water within 2 to 3 minutes, leaving no sandy or gritty residue. It has a strong, tar-like smell that is distinctive and difficult to replicate with fillers. The color of the dissolved solution should be deep amber to dark brown. If the resin does not dissolve, has a weak smell, or leaves particulate matter, the product is either impure or adulterated.
For capsules: Verify that the label states "purified shilajit" or "shilajit extract" (not "shilajit powder", unextracted powder may contain unprocessed rock material). Fulvic acid content should be ≥50%. Heavy metal testing (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) should be available via COA. The capsule should be from a GMP-certified facility. PrimaVie is the branded extract used in both published clinical trials and provides the highest quality assurance.
For gummies: Apply the same capsule criteria plus: check the shilajit content per gummy (not per serving, servings may be 2 to 4 gummies). Subtract the sugar, gelatin, and flavoring weight to confirm meaningful shilajit content. Some gummy products contain 50 to 100 mg of shilajit per gummy, requiring 4 to 10 gummies to reach a clinical dose — an impractical and sugar-heavy approach.
For the complete shilajit evidence: benefits, benefits for men, safety guide, timeline to effect, shilajit vs ashwagandha.
Does shilajit work differently for men and women?
Shilajit research in women is thinner but growing: a 48-week trial in postmenopausal women with osteopenia found 250–500 mg/day improved bone mineral density markers versus placebo. The fulvic acid and trace mineral content support collagen synthesis and iron absorption — relevant for women with heavy menstrual cycles. Avoid during pregnancy; safety data does not exist.
What does shilajit do for men?
The strongest male-specific evidence centers on testosterone and fertility. A 2015 double-blind RCT in healthy men aged 45–55 found that purified shilajit at 250 mg twice daily for 90 days increased total testosterone by 20.5% and free testosterone by 19.1% compared to placebo (Pandit et al., Andrologia). A separate 2010 trial in infertile men found that shilajit at 200 mg daily for 90 days increased total sperm count by 61.4%, sperm motility by 12.4%, and serum testosterone by 23.5% (Biswas et al., Andrologia). The fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones in shilajit appear to support Leydig cell function and mitochondrial energy production in testicular tissue. For male athletic performance, a 2019 study found that shilajit supplementation at 500 mg daily improved maximal muscular strength and serum muscle-protective markers in recreationally active men after 8 weeks of resistance training. The effective dose range across these male-focused trials: 200–500 mg daily of purified shilajit extract for 8–12 weeks minimum.
What does shilajit do for women?
Women's shilajit research is significantly smaller but growing. The primary benefits for women relate to iron metabolism, bone health, and energy production rather than testosterone. Shilajit contains bioavailable iron and fulvic acid, which enhances mineral absorption in the gut, relevant because iron deficiency anemia affects roughly 25% of women globally, with higher rates during reproductive years due to menstrual blood loss. A 2012 study found that shilajit supplementation improved hemoglobin levels and iron status markers in iron-deficient women over 12 weeks. For bone health, shilajit's mineral content (calcium, magnesium, zinc, strontium) and its ability to enhance calcium absorption may theoretically support bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, though direct bone-density studies are still preclinical. The energy and fatigue-reduction effects — mediated through mitochondrial coenzyme Q10 support and enhanced ATP production, apply equally to both genders and may be particularly valuable for women experiencing chronic fatigue related to iron depletion, thyroid suboptimality, or perimenopause.
What are shilajit's side effects?
Purified shilajit at standard supplemental doses (250–500 mg daily) has a favorable safety profile in published trials, with no serious adverse events reported across studies lasting up to 90 days. The most commonly reported side effects are mild: GI discomfort during the first week (nausea or loose stool in roughly 5–8% of participants), a warming sensation that some users describe as body heat, and occasional headache during the first few days. These effects typically resolve within 5–7 days of continued use and can be minimized by starting at 250 mg daily for the first week before increasing to the target dose.
The primary safety concern with shilajit is not the compound itself but product purity. Raw, unprocessed shilajit harvested from Himalayan rock faces can contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), mycotoxins, and microbial contaminants. Purified shilajit, processed through standardized extraction methods that concentrate fulvic acid while removing contaminants, is the only form appropriate for supplementation. Products should display third-party heavy metal testing results, specify the fulvic acid percentage (minimum 50% for quality extracts), and ideally carry a GMP manufacturing certification. Avoid purchasing raw shilajit resin from unverified sources, regardless of how "authentic" the marketing claims appear.
How does shilajit dose change by form and purity?
Shilajit products come in three primary forms, resin, capsules, and liquid extract, and the appropriate dose varies because the fulvic acid concentration differs dramatically across formats. Purified shilajit resin (the thick, tar-like substance sold in jars) typically contains 40–60% fulvic acid, making it the most concentrated format. A pea-sized amount (approximately 250–500 mg by weight) provides the dose range used in most clinical studies. Capsule formulations standardize the dose but vary in purity: quality products contain 250–500 mg of purified shilajit extract standardized to a minimum 50% fulvic acid, while lower-quality products may use diluted extracts with 10–20% fulvic acid, requiring higher milligram doses to achieve equivalent effect. Liquid extracts offer rapid absorption (particularly when held sublingually for 30–60 seconds before swallowing) but are the most difficult to dose precisely, as dropper measurements vary between products. Regardless of form, the functional dose target is approximately 125–250 mg of fulvic acid daily — work backward from this target using the fulvic acid percentage on your specific product's label rather than following a generic milligram recommendation that may not account for your product's concentration.
What the dosing evidence does not cover
Shilajit dosing recommendations are constrained by a small clinical evidence base. The total number of published human RCTs is fewer than ten, and the doses tested range from 200 mg to 500 mg per day with significant variation in extract standardization between trials. There is no dose-response study that systematically compares 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg to determine the optimal amount.
The composition of shilajit varies by geographic source — Himalayan, Altai, Caucasus, and Andean shilajit contain different mineral profiles and fulvic acid concentrations. Dosing guidance from one trial may not transfer directly to a product sourced from a different region or processed differently.
Long-term dosing safety data beyond 90 days is essentially nonexistent in the published literature. The safety profile appears favorable in short trials, but recommending indefinite daily use at any dose is getting ahead of the available evidence.
Who should be cautious with shilajit
Anyone using unpurified or low-quality shilajit. Raw shilajit can contain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), fungal contaminants, and free radicals. Only use shilajit that has been purified and third-party tested for contaminants. This is the single most important safety consideration with this supplement.
People with iron overload conditions (hemochromatosis). Shilajit contains iron and can raise iron levels. If you have hemochromatosis or any iron-storage disorder, avoid it.
People taking diabetes or blood pressure medication. Shilajit may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Combined with medication, monitor for hypoglycemia or hypotension.
People with active gout or high uric acid. Shilajit may increase uric acid levels in some people, potentially worsening gout.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Safety data is insufficient, and contamination risk makes shilajit inadvisable during pregnancy and lactation.
When sourced responsibly and purified, shilajit is generally well tolerated. The risks come almost entirely from poor-quality, unpurified products. More detail: shilajit benefits and safety.
Why YourHealthier Shilajit Adaptogen Complex
The fulvic acid and mineral content discussed in this article vary enormously between shilajit products — unprocessed shilajit can contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and mycotoxins. Our Shilajit Adaptogen Complex uses purified shilajit extract standardized for fulvic acid content, with every batch tested for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium) below detectable limits. Results are published on our Lab Results page. We chose a purified extract over raw resin specifically because safety verification is non-negotiable with a geologically sourced material.
Gummies deliver lower doses than resin or capsules per serving. Full form comparison here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much shilajit should I take per day?
200–500 mg/day of purified shilajit extract, based on clinical trial protocols. Start at 250 mg/day for the first week, then increase to 500 mg/day if tolerated. The testosterone trial used 500 mg/day for 90 days. The strength trial used 500 mg/day for 8 weeks.
When is the best time to take shilajit?
Morning with food. If splitting the dose to 500 mg/day, take 250 mg with breakfast and 250 mg with dinner. Avoid taking within 2–3 hours of bedtime, as some users report increased alertness.
How long does it take for shilajit to work?
The testosterone trial measured outcomes at 90 days. The strength trial measured at 8 weeks. Most researchers recommend at least 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use before evaluating results. Don't expect meaningful changes at 2 weeks.
Is shilajit resin better than capsules?
Not necessarily. ConsumerLab found that resins generally contained less fulvic acid than purified capsule extracts. Capsules deliver more consistent, standardized doses that match clinical trial protocols. Resins may appear more "natural" but are less precise for dosing.
Can I take more than 500 mg of shilajit per day?
Not recommended without medical guidance. No clinical trial has tested doses above 500 mg/day, and shilajit's mineral content (including trace heavy metals) increases with dose. The evidence supports 200–500 mg/day. More is not better for this supplement.
Does the brand of shilajit matter?
Yes, enormously. ConsumerLab found that fulvic acid content varied 32,000% across tested products. "500 mg of shilajit" from one brand can deliver vastly different amounts of active compounds than another. Look for standardized fulvic acid content, third-party heavy metal testing, and published Certificates of Analysis.
Related Reading:
- Shilajit Benefits for Men: Testosterone, Energy & What Research Shows (2026)
- Is Shilajit Safe? What the Research Actually Says (2026)
- NMN Dosage: How Much Should You Take? (2026 Guide)
- Creatine Dosage: Loading vs Maintenance Explained (2026)
- Berberine Dosage: 500mg or 1500mg? Here's How to Start
- Lion's Mane Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
- Ashwagandha Benefits: 7 Reasons It's the Most Popular Adaptogen
- Best Time to Take Ashwagandha: Morning, Night, or Both?
- NMN Benefits: What NAD+ Actually Does for Aging and Energy (2026)
- Creatine Benefits: More Than Just Muscle (2026)
- Best Supplements for Sleep: A Science-Based Ranking (2026)
- Can You Take Berberine and Ashwagandha Together?
References
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570–575. PubMed
- ConsumerLab. Shilajit supplements review: fulvic acid amounts and heavy metal testing. 2024.
- Hussain SA, Saeed M. Hazardous or advantageous: uncovering the roles of heavy metals and humic substances in Shilajit. Biological Trace Element Research. 2024. PubMed
What Is Shilajit Used For?
Shilajit is traditionally an Ayurvedic adaptogen and rejuvenator. A 2016 trial (PMID: 26395129) showed purified shilajit (500 mg/day) raised testosterone 20% in men aged 45–55. Its main compound, fulvic acid, supports mitochondrial energy—a 2014 review (PMID: 23733436) summarized its role in cellular energy metabolism. Other uses include iron-absorption support, altitude recovery, and cognition. Evidence is strongest for testosterone support and energy metabolism.
Disclosure: YourHealthier sells shilajit supplements. Our dosing recommendation (1 capsule daily) aligns with the lower end of the clinical range. We disclose the 32,000% quality gap in the shilajit market because informed consumers make better choices. See our Editorial Policy for how we research and write.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical range (mg/day) | 200-500 |
| Testosterone trial (mg) | 250 x2, Pandit |
| Trial duration (days) | up to 90 |
| Start dose | 250 mg/day |
| Source: YourHealthier · Pandit 2016 (Andrologia) | |
Sources verified: All PubMed citations and external references in this article were last verified onJune 13, 2026.
Disclosure: YourHealthier manufactures and sells the supplements discussed in this article. All health claims are based on published peer-reviewed research cited above. We earn revenue from product sales linked in this article.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Get 10% Off
Subscribe for science updates + exclusive discounts