What mitochondria do
Mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP, the molecule cells use for energy. Because fatigue and ageing are linked to mitochondrial function in research, “supports mitochondria” has become a common supplement claim, often as shorthand for “gives you energy”.
The evidence, layer by layer
| Layer | What exists | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory and animal | Studies of shilajit and its DBPs | Proposed effects on cellular energy |
| Human tissue | Muscle gene-expression study[2] | Biological activity, not energy |
| Human performance | 8-week exercise trial[1] | Strength retention after a fatigue test |
| Everyday energy | No controlled trial | Not established |
Why the leap to “more energy” isn’t justified
Moving from “affects mitochondria in a lab” to “you will feel more energetic” skips several steps. The substance has to reach the right tissue, at a high enough dose, and produce a change people actually notice. A 2019 review identified major gaps in understanding of shilajit’s mechanism of action.[3] See energy, fatigue and mitochondrial function for the topic rating.
Reading energy claims
- “Boosts cellular energy”Based on laboratory work, not human measurements.
- “Increases ATP”Ask whether this was measured in people.
- “Fights fatigue”A health claim that needs authorisation in UK marketing; see claims rules.
What a proper mitochondrial study would measure
- Mitochondrial function directlyFor example, oxygen use by muscle cells or specialised muscle imaging.
- A comparison groupPlacebo, with participants unaware of which they took.
- A noticeable outcomeFatigue scores, endurance or recovery, not only markers.
- Enough people and timeTo detect a real effect.
None of these has been published for shilajit. See evidence gaps.
The exercise trial in context
The most relevant human evidence is an 8-week randomised trial in which participants taking a standardised extract retained more muscle strength after a fatiguing exercise protocol than those on placebo.[1] That is a performance measure, not a direct mitochondrial measurement. It is one study, using one extract, so it supports a “Limited” rating for exercise outcomes rather than any broad energy claim. See exercise, strength and muscle.
Energy claims and UK rules
The Advertising Standards Authority has treated “increases energy” as a specific health claim, which in UK marketing must be authorised on the GB register.[4][5] So a shilajit product promising more energy needs authorised wording behind it, whatever the laboratory research suggests. See what sellers can and can’t claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit boost mitochondria?
Laboratory and animal research suggests effects on cellular energy, but no human study has directly measured mitochondrial function after shilajit.
Does shilajit increase ATP?
That hasn’t been shown in people. ATP claims come from laboratory and animal work.
Will shilajit give me more energy?
Everyday energy and fatigue haven’t been tested in controlled human trials.
What did the exercise trial find?
An 8-week trial reported better retention of muscle strength after a fatiguing exercise test.[1]
What role do DBPs play?
DBPs are proposed to support cellular energy based on laboratory work; see dibenzo-alpha-pyrones.
Can sellers say shilajit boosts energy?
Only using authorised health claims; the ASA has treated “increases energy” as a specific health claim.[4] See claims rules.
Is there any human evidence shilajit helps fatigue?
No controlled trial has measured everyday fatigue. One exercise trial measured strength retention after a fatigue test.[1]
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.
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, Smith CM, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16:3, 2019. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2; PMID 30728074. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Das A, et al.. The human skeletal muscle transcriptome in response to oral Shilajit supplementation. Journal of Medicinal Food 19(7):701–709, 2016. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.0010; PMID 27414521. View source (opens in a new tab) [Human study (gene expression)]
- Shilajit (Mumie): current status of biochemical, therapeutic and clinical advances. Current Nutrition & Food Science 15(2), 2019. doi:10.2174/1573401313666170823160217. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- NutraIngredients. The Turmeric Co. incurs ASA wrath with disease-fighting claims. nutraingredients.com, 2021. View source (opens in a new tab) [Trade press report of ASA ruling]
- 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]