Heavy metals in Shilajit

Why heavy metals occur

Shilajit forms as plant matter decomposes in rock and binds minerals from it; see how shilajit forms. Alongside useful minerals, it can take up toxic metals present in the host rock. The amounts depend on the specific deposit, so two genuine products can differ markedly; see how origin affects composition.

The metals that matter

What research has found

A US study published in JAMA tested Ayurvedic products bought online and found about one in five contained detectable lead, mercury or arsenic.^[2] A 2025 study measured thallium in natural shilajit at up to 0.226 µg/g and in commercial supplements at up to 0.5 µg/g, with some supplements showing more than the crude samples tested.^[1] These findings don’t mean every product is contaminated; they show why testing every batch matters.

Does purification remove metals?

Water extraction removes insoluble rock and debris well, but metals bound to the soluble fraction can pass through and become concentrated as water is removed. That may explain why some finished supplements contained more thallium than crude samples.^[1] It means a purification claim is never a substitute for a metals result on the finished batch; see how purification affects testing.

What a documented metals panel looks like

A thorough report names an accredited laboratory, identifies the batch, and gives each metal as a number with units and detection limits. For example, the AGROLAB LUFA report for Nature Elixirs batch SJ2509 covers lead, cadmium, mercury and total arsenic, alongside mycotoxins, pesticides, PAHs and microbiology.^[4] You can read the individual results on the published report. Nature Elixirs is a brand evaluated by Best Shilajit UK. Read our evaluation to see the evidence and documentation we reviewed.

How to check a product

1. Ask for the batch reportSee how to ask for a COA.
2. Check all four core metalsLead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic.
3. Compare with GB limitsIn mg/kg as sold.^[3]
4. Match the batchReport batch number to your jar.
5. Note any extrasThallium or inorganic arsenic testing goes beyond the standard.

Exposure adds up

Metals accumulate from all sources. Taking more than the label serving, combining several shilajit products, or taking shilajit daily for long periods all increase exposure. Children and pregnant women are most vulnerable and shouldn’t take shilajit; see children and pregnancy.

Thallium explained

Thallium is a toxic metal that standard consumer panels rarely include. The 2025 study that measured it in shilajit products is a reminder that a “big four” panel doesn’t cover every metal of interest.^[1] Brands that add thallium to their testing are going beyond the current norm, and some have said they intend to.^[5]

Metals and long-term use

Shilajit is often taken daily for months. Because metals such as lead and cadmium accumulate, a product that sits well below the limits is a better long-term choice than one just under them. Taking breaks, reviewing whether shilajit is helping, and never exceeding the label serving all keep cumulative exposure down; see taking shilajit long term.

Why reports from different brands look different

Brands use different laboratories, panels, units and detection limits, so reports can look very different even when products are similar. Focus on whether the four core metals are present, in mg/kg as sold, with detection limits well below the GB maximums.

In one sentence

Ask for the batch report and check the four core metals before you buy.

The bottom line

Heavy metals are the central safety question for shilajit. They come from rock, vary by batch, and aren’t reliably removed by purification. A batch report with lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic results in mg/kg, matched to your jar and compared with GB limits, is the single most useful safety check you can make.

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