Shilajit is a natural resin that oozes from high-altitude mountain rocks across the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus ranges. Formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter, it's extraordinarily rich in fulvic acid and over 20 trace minerals. For men over 40, the science is compelling: in a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016, n=75), purified shilajit at 500 mg/day was associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone and a 19.14% change in free testosterone over 90 days — without changing gonadotropin levels outside the normal range (PubMed 26395129). This is a research finding about the dose studied; it cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim. Blue Power's shilajit dose is 50 mg.
Interest in shilajit in the UK has grown sharply. There are now more than 12,000 UK searches per month for "shilajit uk" alone — and most men searching still don't know the difference between quality resin and cheap gummies, or how to use it effectively. This guide covers everything: what shilajit is, the seven evidence-backed benefits, how to choose a quality product, safe dosage, and which form actually works.
- Research finding, not a Blue Power claim: in a 90-day RCT (Pandit et al., 2016, n=75), purified shilajit at 500 mg/day — ten times Blue Power’s 50 mg dose — was associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone in men aged 45–55. This dose-specific trial result cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim.
- It reduces exercise fatigue: muscle strength decline was 9.1% vs 15.7% with placebo in a 2019 RCT (Keller et al., JISSN)
- Key active compound: fulvic acid — supports mineral absorption, mitochondrial function, and anti-inflammatory activity
- Best forms for daily use: standardised capsules or tablets with verified fulvic acid content — not gummies
- A 2024 systematic review of 15 clinical studies (1,254 participants) found no serious adverse events with purified shilajit
What Is Shilajit? Origin, Composition and Active Compounds
Shilajit (Sanskrit: "conqueror of mountains") is a blackish-brown resinous exudate found seeping from rock fissures at altitudes of 3,000–5,000 metres. Over hundreds of years, plant matter — predominantly Euphorbia and other high-altitude species — decomposes under pressure and extreme temperatures, creating this highly concentrated substance.
The primary active compound is fulvic acid, which makes up 15–20% of quality shilajit by weight. Fulvic acid is a short-chain organic acid that acts as a natural chelator — it binds to minerals and carries them across cell membranes, dramatically improving bioavailability. This is why shilajit is often described as a "mineral transporter."
The second key compound class is dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs), which support mitochondrial energy production by acting as electron carriers in the cellular energy cycle. This mechanism directly explains shilajit's documented effects on physical stamina and fatigue reduction.
Raw shilajit from mountain rocks can contain heavy metals, fungi, and free radicals. Purified shilajit (also called processed or standardised shilajit) has been through aqueous extraction and quality control to remove contaminants while concentrating the active compounds. Always look for a standardised fulvic acid content (typically 50–60%) when buying in the UK.
A 2025 comprehensive chemical review (PubMed 38133965) clarified what's actually in shilajit: the "85 minerals" marketing claim you'll see everywhere has no peer-reviewed support. Analytical studies consistently identify around 20 trace elements in ionic form — including zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and chromium — plus the humic and fulvic acid complex that makes up over 80% of dry weight.
What Are the Proven Benefits of Shilajit for Men?
1. Testosterone & Daily Wellbeing for Men Strongest Evidence
The landmark trial here is a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016) of 75 healthy men aged 45–55. Over 90 days at 500mg/day, purified shilajit was associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone and a 19.14% change in free testosterone. The placebo group saw near-zero change (p<0.05). DHEAS also rose significantly, while gonadotropins (LH, FSH) stayed within the normal range (PubMed 26395129). This is a research finding about the dose studied (500 mg/day); it cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim. Blue Power's shilajit dose is 50 mg.
Note: trial was funded by Natreon Inc., the manufacturer of PrimaVie shilajit.
Editorial note — what this means in context: A 20% increase in total testosterone over 90 days is a clinically meaningful delta for men aged 45–55, where normal age-related decline runs at approximately 1–2% per year. Two caveats worth flagging: the trial was funded by the raw-material manufacturer, and the result has not yet been independently replicated in a larger European cohort. Both limitations should temper — but do not invalidate — the headline number.
— Blue Power Research Team, reviewing Pandit et al. (2016)Study Funding Transparency
Not all shilajit studies are equal. Funding source matters when weighing evidence. Here's where the money came from:
| Study | Sample | Funding | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandit 2016 (testosterone) | n=75, men 45–55 | Natreon Inc. (PrimaVie manufacturer) | Industry |
| Keller 2019 (fatigue) | n=63, active men | Natreon Inc. | Industry |
| Biswas 2010 (fertility) | n=60, oligospermic men | Not declared / university-led | Independent |
| Surapaneni 2012 (fatigue, animal) | Rat model | University research grant | Independent |
| JPTCP 2024 (systematic review) | 15 studies, 1,254 participants | Not declared | Independent |
The testosterone and fatigue RCTs — the two strongest human studies — were funded by the manufacturer of PrimaVie shilajit. This doesn't invalidate the findings (industry-funded trials follow the same peer-review process), but it means the evidence would be considerably stronger with an independent replication. The safety data from the 2024 systematic review, which was not industry-funded, is reassuring.
2. Energy & Fatigue Reduction Strong Evidence
The dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs) in shilajit act as electron carriers in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. That directly supports cellular energy production (ATP). How much difference does it make? In a 2019 RCT of 63 recreationally active men, 500mg/day PrimaVie shilajit for 8 weeks reduced fatigue-induced muscle strength decline to just 9.1% versus 15.7% in the low-dose group (p=0.022). Serum hydroxyproline — a marker of connective tissue breakdown — was also significantly lower in the high-dose group (Keller et al., JISSN, 2019).
Animal data supports the mechanism. In a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome, shilajit reversed fatigue-induced immobility and stabilised all five mitochondrial complex enzyme activities over 21 days. It also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and modulated HPA axis cortisol output (Surapaneni et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 2012). That dual action — mitochondrial support plus cortisol modulation — explains why men report sustained energy rather than a stimulant-type spike.
3. Blood Flow & Nitric Oxide Support
Fulvic acid improves the bioavailability of minerals involved in vascular function — particularly iron and magnesium. What does the research show? It increases glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity in cardiac tissue. At the same time, it decreases lipid peroxidation, reducing oxidative stress in blood vessel walls (Winkler & Ghosh, 2018). When combined with L-Arginine (the direct precursor to nitric oxide), shilajit's mineral transport function may enhance NO synthesis efficiency. That's one reason formulators pair the two compounds.
4. Cognitive Function & Mental Clarity
A 2023 study found that Andean shilajit fractions inhibited tau protein aggregation by 76.6% at 0.5 μg/mL. They also promoted neurite elongation by up to 63% in neuroblastoma cell lines — making shilajit a candidate neuroprotective compound for Alzheimer's research (Pharmaceuticals, Basel, 2023). Separately, fulvic acid increased neuronal process length in hippocampal cells from 17.4 μm to 26.0 μm in experimental models (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012). What does this mean practically? For men over 40 experiencing "brain fog," these mitochondrial and neuroprotective mechanisms offer a plausible explanation for self-reported cognitive improvements.
5. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Fulvic acid at 200 μg/mL reduces TNF-α expression in human monocytes. Its anti-allergic effects have been compared to 1% hydrocortisone in experimental models. It also upregulates three key antioxidant enzymes: GSH, SOD, and catalase (Winkler & Ghosh, 2018). Why does this matter for men over 40? Chronic low-grade inflammation — sometimes called "inflammaging" — is increasingly linked to reduced testosterone, fatigue, and cardiovascular risk. An antioxidant-rich compound with anti-inflammatory properties adds real systemic value.
6. Sperm Quality & Male Fertility
One unblinded trial without a placebo group reported changes across sperm parameters and serum testosterone in men with oligospermia (Biswas et al., Andrologia, 2010). This is a research finding about the dose and population studied and cannot be transferred to Blue Power, whose shilajit dose is 50 mg; treat it as preliminary evidence rather than definitive proof. For the full semen-parameter data and how shilajit compares with other fertility nutrients, see the men’s fertility supplements evidence guide.
7. Trace Minerals & Zinc Synergy
Shilajit contains around 20 trace elements in ionic, bioavailable form. The synergy with zinc is particularly notable for men: zinc has an EFSA-authorised health claim — verbatim: "Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood." (EFSA Opinion 1819, EU Regulation 432/2012). Fulvic acid acts as a natural chelator that supports zinc absorption — meaning shilajit and zinc taken together may complement each other's effects.
Which Shilajit Form Is Best: Resin, Capsules, Tablets or Gummies?
| Form | Typical Dose | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resin | 300–500mg | Most concentrated; minimal processing; high fulvic acid content | Difficult to dose precisely; strong bitter taste; messy; higher cost | Best for purity — impractical for daily use |
| Capsules | 250–500mg | Precise dosing; easy to swallow; widely available in UK | Quality varies enormously; check fulvic acid % on label | Good daily option if standardised |
| Tablets Best Value | 50–500mg | Precise dosing; can combine with other actives (zinc, tongkat ali); no capsule shell needed | Binders needed; check for fillers | Ideal for multi-ingredient formulas |
| Gummies | Often 50–100mg | Palatable; growing UK trend | Low doses; added sugar; flavourings may reduce bioavailability; no standardised fulvic acid content | Not recommended for therapeutic use |
Shilajit gummies are the fastest-growing format — "shilajit gummies" gets over 6,500 monthly UK searches — but they're often the weakest option. The combination of low shilajit content, sugar, and binding agents makes it difficult to achieve the doses used in clinical trials. If you're taking shilajit for results rather than novelty, standardised capsules or tablets are more reliable.
How Much Shilajit Should Men Take? Dosage Guide
Clinical studies have used doses ranging from 200mg to 500mg per day. Here's what the evidence shows at each level:
- 200mg/day: Used in the sperm quality trial (Biswas 2010). Sufficient for mineral and antioxidant support.
- 250–500mg/day: Used in the fatigue/strength RCT (Keller 2019). Meaningful impact on exercise performance and recovery.
- 500mg/day: Used in the testosterone RCT (Pandit 2016). Associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone over 90 days in that trial — this finding cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim.
For men taking shilajit as part of a multi-ingredient formula — where it works synergistically with zinc, tongkat ali, and L-arginine — a supportive dose of 50mg contributes the fulvic acid mineral transport function without requiring standalone high-dose supplementation.
Results in studies were seen at 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Don't expect overnight changes. If you're tracking testosterone levels, consider a baseline blood test before starting and a retest at 12 weeks — many UK GPs offer this via private testing services for under £40.
Are There Any Side Effects of Shilajit?
A 2024 systematic review covering 15 clinical studies and 1,254 participants across conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, high-altitude sickness, cognitive decline, and male infertility found no serious adverse events with purified shilajit across trials lasting 4 weeks to 12 months (JPTCP Systematic Review, 2024).
- Men with gout: Shilajit may increase uric acid levels
- Haemochromatosis (iron overload): Fulvic acid enhances iron absorption
- Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin): Fulvic acid may interact with clotting
- Active cancer treatment: Insufficient data on interactions with oncology drugs
- Under 18s and pregnant/breastfeeding women: Not studied in these groups
The critical safety issue with shilajit is raw vs purified product. Raw shilajit from unverified sources can contain lead, arsenic, and mercury at levels that exceed UK food safety limits. Always buy from a brand that publishes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming heavy metal testing. GMP certification is a baseline quality indicator.
One finding worth noting: some marketing materials claim shilajit "increases iron absorption" as a benefit. For most healthy men eating a balanced diet, this is neither necessary nor desirable — excess iron is linked to oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk in middle-aged men. The mineral transport effects of fulvic acid are beneficial in the context of deficiency or supplementation, not as a standalone reason to seek iron enhancement.
Editorial note — safety in context: The safety profile of purified shilajit is reassuring across 1,254 participants in the 2024 systematic review. The qualifying word is purified — raw, uncontrolled shilajit is a materially different product from a safety standpoint and may contain heavy metals. Men with gout or haemochromatosis should be particularly cautious: fulvic acid enhances mineral absorption, which cuts both ways.
— Blue Power Research Team, summarising the 2024 systematic review (JPTCP, 15 studies, n=1,254)How Do You Choose Quality Shilajit in the UK?
The UK supplement market was valued at USD 4.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.65 billion by 2033 (Grand View Research, 2024). With that growth comes a flood of low-quality products. Here's what to check before you buy:
- Standardised fulvic acid content: Look for a percentage on the label (typically 40–60%). Products that just say "shilajit extract" without specifying fulvic acid content are marketing vague quality.
- Heavy metal CoA: The brand should provide third-party testing results for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Ask if it's not listed on the website.
- GMP certification: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) means the facility follows UK/EU production standards.
- UK Made vs imported: UK-manufactured products are subject to FSA food supplement regulations and MHRA oversight. Imported products from unregulated markets carry higher contamination risk.
- Dose transparency: Proprietary blends that hide individual ingredient amounts make it impossible to compare with clinical evidence.
Why Does Blue Power Include 50mg Shilajit in Its Formula?
Blue Power Ingredient Spotlight: Shilajit 50mg
Blue Power contains Shilajit 50mg in one daily tablet — GMP certified, UK manufactured, with fully transparent dosing (no proprietary blends).
Full formula: Shilajit 50mg · Tongkat Ali 50mg · Maca Root 50mg · Korean Ginseng 5:1 100mg · L-Arginine 50mg · Zinc 10mg · Horny Goat Weed 25mg · Vitamin C 80mg.
Blue Power contains zinc 10 mg. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
For men who want shilajit as part of a complete daily formula, Blue Power also includes Tongkat Ali 50mg and shilajit 50mg, alongside six further ingredients in one tablet.
Take Control — Blue Power Contains Shilajit 50mg
One daily tablet. 8 science-backed ingredients. No prescription. No nonsense. GMP certified, UK made.
Get Blue Power — Free UK DeliveryNo subscription required · 30-day supply · Free standard UK delivery
Frequently Asked Questions About Shilajit UK
What is shilajit and what does it do for men?
Shilajit is a natural resin from Himalayan and Altai mountain rocks, formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter. For men, it has been studied for its effects on testosterone, exercise fatigue, and energy via mitochondrial function. In a 2016 double-blind RCT (Pandit et al., n=75), purified shilajit at 500 mg/day was associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone over 90 days in healthy men aged 45–55 — a finding about the trial dose that cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim (Pandit et al., Andrologia, 2016).
Is shilajit legal in the UK?
Yes. Shilajit is legal as a food supplement in the UK and isn't classified as a medicine by the MHRA. UK regulations require supplements to avoid unauthorised medicinal claims. Quality products should be tested for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), as raw shilajit from unverified sources can contain contaminants above safe limits.
How much shilajit should men take per day?
Clinical trials used 200–500mg daily. The testosterone RCT used 500mg/day for 90 days; the fatigue study used 250–500mg for 8 weeks. In a multi-ingredient formula such as Blue Power, shilajit is included at 50mg per daily tablet. Results in studies took 8–12 weeks of consistent use to appear.
Which is better — shilajit resin, capsules, tablets, or gummies?
Resin is the most concentrated form but impractical for daily dosing. Capsules and tablets offer precise, standardised dosing and are the formats used in clinical trials. Gummies are popular but typically low-dose, contain added sugar, and lack standardised fulvic acid content. For daily use, standardised tablets or capsules are the most evidence-consistent choice.
What does the research say about shilajit and testosterone?
Clinical evidence is encouraging. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (Pandit et al., 2016, n=75), purified shilajit at 500 mg/day was associated with a 20.45% change in total testosterone and a 19.14% change in free testosterone over 90 days in men aged 45–55. This is a research finding about the dose studied; it cannot be transferred to Blue Power as a label claim. Blue Power's shilajit dose is 50 mg. The observed effect is attributed to fulvic acid's role in mitochondrial energy production. Note: this trial was industry-funded; independent replication would strengthen the evidence.
Are there any side effects of shilajit?
A 2024 systematic review of 15 clinical studies with 1,254 participants found no serious adverse events with purified shilajit. Minor digestive discomfort can occur. Raw unprocessed shilajit may contain heavy metals. Men with gout, haemochromatosis, or those taking blood thinners should consult their GP before use. Always choose a product with a published Certificate of Analysis.
The Bottom Line: Is Shilajit Worth It for Men Over 40?
The evidence for shilajit is more solid than most men expect from a natural supplement. In the 2016 RCT (Pandit et al., 500 mg/day purified shilajit), a 20.45% change in total testosterone was recorded over 90 days in men aged 45–55; this is a research finding about the trial dose and cannot be transferred to Blue Power, whose shilajit dose is 50 mg. The fatigue and exercise data from 2019 adds a second, independent line of evidence for energy and physical performance in a research context.
The key is quality. Purified, standardised shilajit with verified fulvic acid content and heavy metal testing is fundamentally different from cheap shilajit gummies or unverified resin from uncontrolled sources. If you're going to try it, do it properly.
For men who want shilajit as part of a broader men's health routine, Blue Power includes shilajit 50mg alongside zinc 10mg and other ingredients in one daily tablet. Blue Power contains zinc 10 mg. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
References & Sources (expand)
- Pandit S et al. (2016). Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. PubMed 26395129
- Keller JL et al. (2019). The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. PMC6364418
- Biswas TK et al. (2010). Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. PubMed 20078516
- Surapaneni DK et al. (2012). Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. PubMed 22771318
- Pharmaceuticals (Basel) (2023). Scaling the Andean Shilajit: A Novel Neuroprotective Agent for Alzheimer's Disease. PMC10383824
- Carrasco-Gallardo C et al. (2012). Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. eCAM. PMC3296184
- Winkler J & Ghosh S (2018). Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. Journal of Diabetes Research. PMC6151376
- Systemic Review of Shilajit: Clinical Efficacy and Safety (2024). JPTCP. 15 studies, 1,254 participants. JPTCP 2024
- Comprehensive Review on Shilajit: Chemical Composition (2025). PubMed 38133965
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on Zinc and Testosterone (2010). EU Regulation 432/2012. EFSA Journal 1819
- Grand View Research (2024). UK Dietary Supplements Market Size Report. grandviewresearch.com
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