Evidence at a glance
Animal and laboratory work; no controlled human trials of immune outcomes. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
Where immune claims come from
Shilajit is often described as an immune booster. Reviews of shilajit list properties such as anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity studied in laboratory and animal work.[1] A 2010 review on high-altitude problems stated that shilajit stimulates the immune system, but it presented this as a general property rather than a result from a human trial.[2] Statements repeated across reviews can sound authoritative while resting on very little direct evidence.
What exists, by evidence type
Why “boosting immunity” is a misleading idea
The immune system is a balance, not a dial to turn up. An overactive immune response causes problems too, as in allergies and autoimmune conditions. Useful immune research measures specific outcomes, such as how often people get infections, how long illnesses last, or how well a vaccine response develops. None of these has been measured for shilajit. So “boosts immunity” is a marketing phrase rather than a description of a demonstrated effect.
A note for people with immune conditions
If you have an autoimmune condition, take immunosuppressant medicines, or have had a transplant, speak to your specialist before taking any supplement marketed for immunity. Substances with possible immune activity are exactly the ones to check, even when the evidence is weak. See medication interactions and existing health conditions.
What supports immune health
The established foundations are vaccinations, adequate sleep, a varied diet, physical activity, not smoking and managing long-term conditions. Some nutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc, have authorised UK claims for contributing to normal immune function, because the evidence for their role meets the standard.[3] Shilajit doesn’t have an authorised immune claim.
Immune claims and UK rules
“Supports immunity” is a health claim and must use authorised wording in UK marketing.[3][4] Claims that shilajit prevents colds, flu or other infections are medicinal claims.[5] A shilajit product that also contains vitamins with authorised immune claims can use those claims only for those vitamins.
What a convincing immune study would need
Useful immune evidence would come from trials measuring infection rates, illness duration or vaccine responses in people taking shilajit compared with placebo, over a winter season or longer. Laboratory measures of immune cells in a dish can’t answer those questions. No such trial has been published for shilajit.
Allergic reactions
Rarely, people react to supplements with rashes, itching or swelling. If you notice any of these after taking shilajit, stop and seek advice; severe reactions, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, need urgent medical help. See side effects, including allergic reactions.
Children and older adults
Immune-boosting marketing is sometimes aimed at families. Shilajit hasn’t been studied in children and isn’t recommended for them, and older adults are more likely to take medicines that need checking. See children and teenagers and older adults. Vaccinations remain the best-evidenced way to protect against many infections at every age.
The bottom line
Immune claims for shilajit rest on laboratory and animal work and on statements repeated between reviews. No human study has shown fewer infections or better immune function. If immune health is your goal, the proven basics and nutrients with authorised claims are the place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Does shilajit boost the immune system?
Can shilajit prevent colds or flu?
No study has tested this. Prevention claims are medicinal claims that supplements can’t make.[5]
Is shilajit safe with an autoimmune condition?
There is no specific research. Speak to your specialist before taking supplements marketed for immunity.
Which nutrients have authorised immune claims?
Several, including vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, have authorised claims for contributing to normal immune function.[3]
Why do reviews say shilajit stimulates immunity?
Some reviews state it as a general property, without presenting human trial data.[2]
Does fulvic acid affect the immune system?
Laboratory research has looked at this, but effects in people haven’t been established.
What should I do instead?
Focus on vaccinations, sleep, diet and activity, and speak to a GP if you get frequent infections.
Does shilajit help allergies?
Laboratory and animal research has examined anti-allergic activity, but no human trials exist.[1]
Can I take shilajit when I have a cold?
There is no evidence it shortens colds. Rest, fluids and advice from a pharmacist are the established approach.
Can I give shilajit to my child to help their immunity?
No. It hasn’t been studied in children and isn’t recommended for them.
Does shilajit reduce inflammation in the immune system?
One human trial reported changes in inflammation markers as a secondary measure.[6] See inflammation.
Is shilajit an adaptogen?
It is described as one traditionally, but “adaptogen” isn’t a measured outcome in human shilajit trials.
Does shilajit help recovery after illness?
Not studied. Rest, nutrition and gradual return to activity are the established approach after illness.
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.
- Agarwal SP, et al.. Shilajit: a review. Phytotherapy Research 21(5):401–405, 2007. doi:10.1002/ptr.2100; PMID 17295385. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- Meena H, Pandey HK, Arya MC, Ahmed Z. Shilajit: a panacea for high-altitude problems. International Journal of Ayurveda Research 1(1):37-40, 2010. View source (opens in a new tab) [Narrative 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]
- 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]