May Fight Bone Loss
Shilajit may have a positive effect on bone health.
One study found postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone mineral density) who took shilajit supplements on a daily basis saw significant improvements in bone density after 11 months. Researchers theorize this effect could be due to shilajit's ability to speed up cell turnover.
Could Increase Male Fertility
Shilajit may help increase male fertility by boosting key hormones and sperm count.
One study showed shilajit improved follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, sperm count, and sperm motility among 60 infertile men. Another study found taking 500 mg of shilajit per day significantly increased both dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and total testosterone levels.
May Improve Exercise Performance and Recovery
A growing body of research indicates that shilajit can boost exercise performance, repair muscle fibers, and speed up the wound healing process after workouts and exercise-related injuries. This is possibly due to shilajit's beneficial effects on oxygenation, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some studies have found athletes experienced less post-workout fatigue and were better able to reach peak muscular strength after taking shilajit supplements. Other studies have found shilajit aided in muscle elasticity and repair during an exercise training regimen. Some researchers find these findings to be promising in terms of shilajit's potential benefits for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Could Help Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia
In addition to fulvic acid, shilajit contains a number of minerals, including gold, silver, and copper. Notably, it also contains iron, which could help to treat the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Shilajit's benefits for people with anemia have not been studied extensively, but some animal studies suggest that it is safe and effective.
