- Profiles are usually measured by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.
- They include useful minerals and toxic metals.
- Element counts aren’t a quality measure.
- Amounts per serving are small and variable.
What a mineral profile is
A mineral profile is a list of elements measured in a sample, each with a concentration. Because shilajit binds elements from its source rock, profiles vary between deposits and batches; see minerals and trace elements and how origin affects composition.
How profiles are measured
The sample is digested in acid and analysed, usually by ICP-MS for trace elements and ICP-OES for elements present at higher levels. A single run can measure dozens of elements; see ICP-MS explained and laboratory methods.
What a profile typically includes
| Group | Examples | How to read |
|---|---|---|
| Major minerals | Calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron | Descriptive; small per serving |
| Trace elements | Zinc, copper, manganese | Descriptive; variable |
| Toxic metals | Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic | Compare with GB limits[1] |
| Other elements | Thallium and others | Found in some products[2] |
Converting to amounts per serving
A profile shows iron at 2,000 mg/kg. That is 2 mg per gram of resin. At a 0.3 g daily serving, you get 2 × 0.3 = 0.6 mg of iron a day. That is a small fraction of typical daily iron needs, which is why shilajit isn’t a meaningful mineral supplement. The same conversion applies to toxic metals, where the result shows your daily exposure.
Why element counts mislead
Marketing sometimes celebrates the number of minerals detected, such as “84 minerals”. A sensitive instrument can detect dozens of elements in almost any natural material, including toxic ones. The count says nothing about amounts or safety; see the “84 minerals” claim.
What profiles are useful for
- Describing a productIts characteristic mineral make-up.
- Checking consistencyBetween batches from the same source.
- Screening toxic metalsAs part of safety testing.
What profiles can’t do
A profile can’t prove identity or origin on its own, and it isn’t a measure of quality or effectiveness. Different deposits naturally give different profiles, so a “richer” profile isn’t evidence of a better product; see identity testing.
Iron and other mineral claims
Products sometimes market shilajit as a source of iron or other minerals. Authorised nutrient claims in the UK require a product to contain a significant amount of the nutrient per serving,[3] which shilajit servings rarely provide; see iron and anaemia.
What to ask
- Which elements were measured, by which method?
- What are the units and detection limits?
- Were toxic metals included?Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic.
Using profiles to check consistency
If a brand publishes mineral profiles for several batches using the same method, comparing them can show whether its source and processing are consistent. Large shifts in toxic metals between batches are worth asking about. Moderate variation in common minerals is normal for a natural material.
As sold vs dry weight
Mineral concentrations, like other results, can be expressed on the product as sold or on a dry-weight basis. Dry-weight figures are higher. When converting to amounts per serving, use the as-sold figure, because that is what you actually take; see units on lab reports.
Putting it into practice
When you see a mineral profile, skip the count and go straight to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. Compare them with GB limits in mg/kg as sold, then multiply by your daily serving in grams to see your daily exposure. Treat the rest of the profile as descriptive information about the product rather than a list of benefits.
Mineral profiles in marketing
Brands sometimes present a mineral profile as a list of benefits, implying that each element contributes to health. In reality, most elements are present in tiny amounts per serving, and some, such as lead, are harmful. A profile is best read as a description of the product and a safety screen, not as nutritional value. If a brand highlights minerals but doesn’t show toxic metals clearly, ask for the full results. A brand confident in its product will show those results without being asked. The clearest mineral reports put toxic metals first, give each result in mg/kg as sold with a detection limit, and leave the reader to judge the rest of the profile on its merits. Ask for it if missing.
The bottom line
A mineral profile describes a product and screens for toxic metals, but the number of elements isn’t a quality score and the amounts per serving are small. Convert results to daily amounts, focus on toxic metals against GB limits, and ignore mineral counts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shilajit mineral profile?
A list of elements measured in a sample, each with a concentration.
How are minerals measured?
Usually by ICP-MS or ICP-OES after acid digestion.
Is a long mineral list a good sign?
Not necessarily. It may include toxic metals and says nothing about amounts.
How do I convert mg/kg to a daily amount?
Multiply the mg/kg figure by your daily serving in grams to get mg per day.
Is shilajit a good source of minerals?
No. Amounts per serving are small and variable.
Does a mineral profile prove origin?
Not on its own; profiles vary and there is no consumer test for origin.
Should toxic metals be in a mineral profile?
Yes, and compared with GB limits.[1]
Can shilajit carry an iron claim?
Only if it contains a significant amount of iron per serving, which is unusual.[3]
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.
- 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)]
- 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]
- 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]