- Older adults are more likely to take medicines; interactions are unstudied.
- Kidney function affects how metals are cleared.
- Long-term use adds up contaminant exposure.
- The bone trial involved postmenopausal women.[1]
Key considerations
| Factor | Why it matters | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Regular medicines | Interactions haven’t been studied | Interactions |
| Kidney function | Minerals and metals may be cleared less effectively | Kidney health |
| Long-term use | Contaminant exposure accumulates | Long-term use |
| Existing conditions | Effects in people with conditions unstudied | Conditions |
What research covered older adults
The bone-density trial studied postmenopausal women over 48 weeks.[1] The testosterone trial studied men aged 45–55.[2] Adults over 60, and particularly those with health conditions or multiple medicines, haven’t been specifically studied. That doesn’t mean shilajit is unsafe for them, but it means the evidence offers little reassurance; see shilajit and ageing.
Contaminants over many years
Metals such as cadmium and lead accumulate in the body over time, and cadmium in particular is cleared very slowly.[3] Someone taking shilajit daily for years has more cumulative exposure than someone taking it for a few weeks. That makes batch testing, staying within the label serving and avoiding multiple shilajit products particularly important; see cadmium and heavy metals.
A sensible way to start
- Check with a pharmacistBring a list of everything you take.
- Choose a batch-tested productWith metals and microbiology results.
- Start within the label servingMeasured consistently.
- Review after a few monthsIs it helping? Any side effects?
- Mention it at check-upsEspecially at routine blood tests.
Anti-ageing marketing
Older adults are often targeted with anti-ageing, vitality and memory claims. The evidence for these is limited or preclinical; see ageing and memory and cognition. Activity, diet, sleep, social connection and regular health checks have far stronger evidence for healthy ageing.
Practical safety at home
If you take several medicines, a pharmacist can review them all together, sometimes called a medicines review. That is a good moment to mention shilajit and any other supplements. Keep supplements in their original labelled jars, so the batch number and serving stay with the product.
When to stop and seek advice
Stop and seek advice if you notice new symptoms, such as stomach upset, dizziness, rash, swelling or changes in urination, or if your doctor changes your medicines. See when to stop.
Medicines often taken in later life
| Medicine group | Why mention it |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure and heart medicines | Interactions unstudied |
| Blood thinners | Changes in effect can be serious |
| Diabetes medicines | Possible blood sugar effects in animal research[4] |
| Thyroid medicines | Minerals can affect absorption of some medicines |
| Bone medicines | Timing with minerals may matter |
Bone health in older women
Shilajit’s most relevant trial for older adults studied bone density in postmenopausal women.[1] It is encouraging but needs repeating, and it doesn’t replace established bone care; see bone health.
A note for carers
If you help an older relative with their medicines, include supplements in the list you keep, and mention them at reviews.
Formats for older adults
Some older adults find capsules hard to swallow, and resin needs careful measuring. A warm drink with dissolved resin can be easier, but measuring accurately matters. Ask a pharmacist which format suits you, especially if you have difficulty swallowing or managing small amounts; see resin vs capsules.
Regular reviews
If you take shilajit for several months, set a review point, perhaps at your next routine check-up, to ask whether it is helping and whether anything in your health or medicines has changed.
Kidney function tests
Kidney function is routinely checked with blood tests in many older adults. If your results show reduced kidney function, ask your GP whether shilajit is appropriate, as minerals and metals may be cleared less effectively.
Avoid doubling up
Don’t combine several shilajit products or blends, which can add up exposure without anyone noticing.
Putting it into practice
Start by taking your medicines list and the shilajit product to a pharmacist. Choose a batch-tested product, stay within the label serving, and mention it at your next GP appointment or blood test. Set a review point after a few months to decide whether it is worth continuing. If anything changes in your health or medicines, revisit the decision, and stop if you notice new symptoms.
The bottom line
Shilajit isn’t off-limits for older adults, but medicines, kidney function and years of use all call for extra care. Check with a pharmacist, choose a batch-tested product, stay within the label serving, and review regularly whether it is worth continuing.
Frequently asked questions
Is shilajit safe for older adults?
It can be used with care. Medicines, kidney function and long-term exposure to contaminants are the main considerations.
Can I take shilajit with my blood pressure tablets?
Interactions haven’t been studied. Check with your pharmacist.
Has shilajit been studied in older people?
Not specifically in adults over 60. The bone trial involved postmenopausal women.[1]
Does shilajit help with ageing?
Evidence is very limited. See shilajit and ageing.
Should older adults take a lower dose?
Stay within the label serving and check with a pharmacist, especially with kidney problems or several medicines.
Why does kidney function matter?
Reduced kidney function can mean minerals and metals are cleared less effectively.
Is long-term use a concern?
Contaminant exposure accumulates over years, so batch testing and the label serving matter.
Where can I get a medicines review?
Ask your GP practice or community pharmacist.
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]
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia 48(5):570–575, 2016. PMID 26395129. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- 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)]
- 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]