Where the minerals come from
As shilajit forms, its humic material binds elements from the surrounding rock; see how shilajit forms. That’s why element panels on lab reports can list dozens of entries, and why every deposit has a different profile.
Wanted and unwanted elements
| Group | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Common minerals | Calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron | Present, but in small amounts per serving |
| Trace elements | Zinc, copper, manganese | Variable by source |
| Toxic metals | Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic | GB limits apply to lead, cadmium and mercury[2] |
| Other toxic elements | Thallium | Measured in shilajit supplements in 2025[1] |
How much does a serving provide?
A serving of a few hundred milligrams of resin can only contain a fraction of that weight as any single mineral. Shilajit isn’t a practical way to correct a mineral deficiency; a standard multivitamin or diet change is far more reliable. See iron levels and anaemia.
The “84 minerals” claim
A long list of minerals is often marketed as a benefit. Read it the other way: a panel that detects many elements is likely to include toxic ones too. The useful questions are which elements, at what levels, and whether the toxic metals are within limits. See the “84 minerals” claim.
How mineral profiles are tested
Laboratories usually measure elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES. Results should be numbers with units and detection limits. See mineral profile testing, ICP-MS explained and heavy metals in shilajit.
Reading an element panel: a worked example
A report lists lead at 1.5 mg/kg. That means 1.5 mg of lead per kilogram of resin, which is the same as 1.5 micrograms per gram. At a 0.3 g daily serving, you’d take in 1.5 × 0.3 = 0.45 micrograms of lead a day from the product. The result is within the GB maximum level of 3.0 mg/kg for supplements.[2] Doing this conversion for each metal turns a list of numbers into a daily exposure you can compare across products.
Units are explained on units on lab reports.
Thallium: the element most panels miss
Standard consumer panels usually cover lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. Thallium is a toxic metal that rarely appears on them. A 2025 study measured it in natural shilajit at up to 0.226 µg/g and in commercial supplements at up to 0.5 µg/g.[1] That doesn’t mean every product contains a concerning level; it means a complete picture needs more than the “big four”. Brands that add thallium to their testing are going beyond the usual standard.
Minerals in perspective
| Question | Shilajit | A standard mineral supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per serving declared? | Rarely | Yes, by law for the nutrients claimed |
| Consistent between batches? | Varies with source | Formulated to a target |
| Contains toxic elements? | Can, from rock | Controlled |
Frequently asked questions
What minerals are in shilajit?
Common minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron, trace elements such as zinc and copper, and also toxic metals, depending on the source rock.
Does shilajit really contain 84 minerals?
A long element list is possible, but it includes toxic metals and says nothing about amounts. See the 84 minerals claim.
Is shilajit a good source of iron?
Amounts per serving are small and variable, so it isn’t a reliable way to raise iron levels.
Why can shilajit contain heavy metals?
Because it absorbs elements from the rock it forms in. Batch testing shows the levels.[1]
What are the UK limits for metals in supplements?
Lead 3.0, cadmium 1.0 and mercury 0.1 mg/kg as sold in Great Britain.[2]
How do I see a product’s mineral profile?
Ask for the batch COA with an element panel measured by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.
Does shilajit contain thallium?
A 2025 study found thallium in natural shilajit and in supplements, at levels that varied between samples.[1] Most consumer panels don’t test for it.
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.
- Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine. BMC Chemistry 19:20, 2025. doi:10.1186/s13065-025-01384-7. View source (opens in a new tab) [Laboratory analysis]
- European Commission (UK version on legislation.gov.uk). Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. legislation.gov.uk, 2008. View source (opens in a new tab) [UK legislation (retained)]