Evidence at a glance
One small randomised, placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women with low bone density. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
The trial in detail
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Participants | Postmenopausal women with low bone density[1] |
| Design | Randomised, placebo-controlled, two doses |
| Duration | 48 weeks |
| Main finding | Less loss of bone mineral density than placebo, mainly at the higher dose |
| Other measures | Oxidative-stress and inflammation markers |
| Product | A standardised branded extract |
Why this trial matters
Bone density is a recognised clinical measure, which makes this trial more meaningful than studies of gene expression or other biomarkers. A 48-week duration is also long by supplement-trial standards. That combination is why bone health sits in the “Limited” band alongside testosterone and exercise, rather than lower.
What the trial doesn’t show
- FracturesThe trial measured density, not fracture risk.
- Osteoporosis treatmentIt wasn’t a treatment trial, and shilajit isn’t a substitute for prescribed bone medicines.
- Men or younger womenOnly postmenopausal women took part.
- Other productsOne standardised extract was used; see why preparation matters.
- ReplicationNo independent group has repeated it.
Traditional use and bone
Persian medical texts describe moomiaii, as shilajit was known, being used for bone pain.[2] It is interesting that a modern trial investigated a related theme, but traditional use and a trial answer different questions; see tradition vs clinical evidence.
What it means for you
If you have low bone density, the established foundations are calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, not smoking, moderating alcohol and, where prescribed, bone-protecting medicines. A GP can assess fracture risk. Shilajit has one encouraging trial, but it can’t replace any of those. If you decide to try it, discuss it with your GP or pharmacist, particularly if you take other medicines; see medication interactions and existing health conditions.
Bone claims and UK rules
Some nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, have authorised UK health claims about bones. Shilajit doesn’t, so “supports strong bones” for shilajit would need authorised wording it can’t borrow from other nutrients.[3][4] Claims to treat or prevent osteoporosis are medicinal claims.[5]
How to read “less bone loss”
Bone density naturally declines after the menopause. A result showing “less bone loss than placebo” means the shilajit group lost bone more slowly over 48 weeks, not that their bones became stronger than before.[1] That is still a meaningful kind of result in bone research, but it is easy to overstate. Marketing that says shilajit “builds bone” or “reverses osteoporosis” misreads what the trial measured.
What would strengthen the evidence
The evidence would be stronger with an independent repeat of the trial, larger groups, longer follow-up, and fracture outcomes, ideally in men and women and with different shilajit products. Until then, bone health stays in the “Limited” band; see how ratings work.
Who should be cautious
Women with a history of kidney problems, those taking several medicines, and anyone being treated for osteoporosis should check with a GP or pharmacist before adding shilajit. Long-term safety data are limited, and the bone trial ran for 48 weeks, so effects beyond that are unknown. Contaminant exposure also builds over long-term use, which makes a batch-tested product essential; see taking shilajit long term and contaminants.
The bottom line
Bone health has one of the more meaningful shilajit trials: 48 weeks, placebo-controlled, measuring bone density in postmenopausal women. That justifies interest, not confidence. Until the result is repeated, and fracture outcomes are studied, shilajit should be seen as an experimental extra at most, never a replacement for proven bone care.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit increase bone density?
One 48-week trial in postmenopausal women reported less bone density loss than placebo, mainly at the higher dose.[1] It hasn’t been replicated.
Can shilajit treat osteoporosis?
No. The trial wasn’t a treatment study, and shilajit isn’t a substitute for prescribed medicines. Claims to treat osteoporosis are medicinal claims.[5]
Does shilajit prevent fractures?
Fractures weren’t measured, so this is unknown.
What dose was used in the bone study?
Two doses of a standardised extract were compared with placebo; the benefit was mainly at the higher dose.[1] Follow your product label.
Does the bone study apply to men?
No. Only postmenopausal women took part.
Was shilajit traditionally used for bones?
Persian medical texts describe moomiaii for bone pain.[2]
What should I do about low bone density?
Talk to your GP about fracture risk, calcium, vitamin D, exercise and medicines.
Did bone density increase in the shilajit trial?
The finding was less loss of bone density than placebo over 48 weeks, mainly at the higher dose, rather than an increase.[1]
Can I take shilajit with calcium and vitamin D?
No interaction study exists. If you take bone medicines or supplements on medical advice, check with your GP or pharmacist first.
Is it safe to take shilajit for a year for bone health?
The bone trial lasted 48 weeks;[1] longer-term safety is unknown. Discuss long-term use with your GP.
Does shilajit help joint or bone pain?
Bone pain wasn’t measured in the trial. Persian texts describe moomiaii for bone pain, but that is traditional use, not trial evidence.[2]
Is the bone trial result reliable?
It is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, which is a good design, but it is a single study that hasn’t been independently repeated.[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.
- Pingali U, Nutalapati C. Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 105:154334, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154334; PMID 35933897. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Shahriari M, Zare F, Nimrouzi M. The curative role of bitumen in traditional Persian medicine. Acta medico-historica Adriatica 16(2):283–292, 2018. doi:10.31952/amha.16.2.6. View source (opens in a new tab) [Historical review]
- 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]