What the evidence shows
| Study | Who | Design | What it supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandit et al., 2016[1] | 75 healthy men aged 45–55 | Randomised, placebo-controlled, 90 days | Higher testosterone than placebo in that group |
| Biswas et al., 2010[5] | 35 men with low sperm counts | Before-and-after, no placebo | Changes that can’t be attributed with confidence |
That earns a “Limited” rating on our scale: one controlled trial, in one age group, using one branded extract. See shilajit and testosterone for the full topic review.
Why “booster” overstates it
- One trialA single study, not a body of evidence; see why one study doesn’t prove a claim.
- One age groupHealthy men aged 45–55, not men in general.
- One extractA purified branded extract; other products may differ.
- Hormone levels, not outcomesThe study measured blood levels, not symptoms people notice.
How UK rules apply
| Wording | Type of claim | Status |
|---|---|---|
| “Natural testosterone booster” | Specific health claim | Needs an authorised GB register claim[2][3] |
| “Supports male vitality” | General health claim | Must be accompanied by a specific authorised claim[6] |
| “Treats low testosterone” | Medicinal claim | Not allowed for food supplements; may bring medicines law into play[4] |
| “Helps erectile dysfunction” | Medicinal claim | Not allowed for food supplements[4] |
The contrast with zinc
An authorised claim does exist in this area, but for a nutrient rather than shilajit. “Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood” is based on a 2010 scientific opinion by the European Food Safety Authority.[7] A product containing enough zinc can use that claim for its zinc content, with the required conditions. It can’t transfer the claim to shilajit. If a product pairs shilajit with zinc, read the label carefully to see which ingredient the claim applies to.
Our verdict
There is one promising trial, not proof. In UK marketing, a seller using “testosterone booster” for shilajit should be able to show the authorised GB register wording it relies on; treatment claims aren’t permitted for food supplements at all.
Before taking shilajit for testosterone
If you suspect low testosterone, talk to a GP: symptoms can have several causes, and testing is straightforward. Shilajit hasn’t been studied alongside testosterone therapy, and natural doesn’t automatically mean safe; see why natural isn’t always safe, medication interactions and sport and anti-doping.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit increase testosterone?
One randomised trial in healthy men aged 45–55 reported higher testosterone than placebo after 90 days.[1] It hasn’t been independently repeated.
Can UK sellers call shilajit a testosterone booster?
Is “boosts testosterone” a medical claim?
“Boosts” is treated as a health claim. Claims to treat low testosterone or erectile dysfunction are medicinal claims, not allowed for food supplements.[4]
Why do some products add zinc to shilajit?
Zinc has an authorised claim about maintaining normal testosterone levels in the blood.[7] That claim applies to the zinc, not to shilajit.
Is shilajit safe for athletes?
It isn’t a banned substance, but supplements can be contaminated. UK Anti-Doping advises batch-tested products.[8]
Should I take shilajit instead of seeing a doctor?
No. If you think your testosterone is low, see a GP for assessment.
How do I report a misleading testosterone claim?
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia 48(5):570–575, 2016. PMID 26395129. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Department of Health and Social Care. Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Official register]
- Committee of Advertising Practice. UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code), Section 15: Food, food supplements and associated health or nutritional claims. asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising code]
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Borderline products: how to tell if your product is a medicine. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Regulator guidance]
- Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al.. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia 42(1):48–56, 2010. PMID 20078516. View source (opens in a new tab) [Uncontrolled clinical study]
- Advertising Standards Authority / CAP. Food: sports supplements and associated products (advice). asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising regulator advice]
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zinc, including maintenance of normal serum testosterone concentrations (ID 301). EFSA Journal 8(10):1819, 2010. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1819. View source (opens in a new tab) [Scientific opinion]
- UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Clean Sport Essentials pocket guide. ukad.org.uk, 2021. View source (opens in a new tab) [Anti-doping guidance]