Shilajit in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Why we recommend avoiding it

Two reasons point the same way. First, shilajit has never been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so nobody knows whether it affects a developing baby or passes into breast milk. The small human trials studied adults who weren’t pregnant.^[2][3] Second, shilajit forms in rock and can contain metals, with levels that vary from batch to batch.^[1] Even when a product is within the legal limits for adults, the logic in pregnancy is to keep a baby’s exposure as low as possible. With no evidence of benefit for pregnancy and a plausible risk, avoidance is the sensible choice.

Metals and the developing baby

Lead can cross the placenta, and lead stored in a mother’s bones over many years can be released during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mercury is another metal that developing babies are especially sensitive to, which is why pregnant women are already advised to limit certain fish. GB law caps lead, cadmium and mercury in supplements,^[4] but those limits were set for the general adult population, not for pregnancy. See lead, mercury and heavy metals.

If you are trying to conceive

Because the earliest weeks of pregnancy often pass before a test is positive, it is sensible to stop shilajit when you start trying to conceive. That applies to the partner who may become pregnant. For partners producing sperm, shilajit fertility evidence is very limited; see male fertility. Folic acid is the supplement with established evidence before and in early pregnancy, and your GP or pharmacist can advise on it.

If you have already taken shilajit

Please don’t panic. There is no evidence that a few servings of a well-tested product cause harm, and the reason for avoiding it is caution, not a known danger. Stop taking it, keep the jar and batch number, and mention it at your next midwife or GP appointment so it is noted in your records. If you have any symptoms or concerns, contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111.

Breastfeeding

It isn’t known whether any components of shilajit, or contaminants such as metals, pass into breast milk. Babies are small and their organs are still developing, so even low exposures matter more. Wait until you have stopped breastfeeding before considering shilajit, and ask a pharmacist about any supplement while you are feeding.

Marketing aimed at women

Shilajit is increasingly marketed to women for energy, hormone balance and fertility. None of these uses has been tested in pregnancy, and fertility claims for women haven’t been studied at all; see shilajit for women. Products with “women’s” branding still contain shilajit, so the same advice applies.

What does have evidence in pregnancy

Folic acid before and in early pregnancy, and vitamin D supplements, are recommended in the UK for most pregnant women. Your midwife can advise on these and on any other supplements, and on which to avoid. A balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and attending antenatal appointments have far stronger evidence than any herbal or mineral supplement.

Watch out for combined products

Some multi-ingredient products contain shilajit alongside herbs such as ashwagandha, which the Food Standards Agency has advised pregnant women to avoid while its safety review continues.^[5] Check every ingredient on the label of any supplement you take while pregnant; see shilajit vs ashwagandha.

A note for partners

If your partner is pregnant or trying to conceive, keep any shilajit, especially gummies, stored safely and clearly labelled so it isn’t taken by mistake. Supporting a partner to avoid supplements during pregnancy is easier when they aren’t left within easy reach.

Putting it into practice

If you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, put shilajit aside and tell your midwife or GP if you have been taking it. Ask them about the supplements that are recommended for you instead.

After breastfeeding

Once you have finished breastfeeding, the general adult advice applies again.

The bottom line

Shilajit hasn’t been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and its metal content varies between batches. We recommend avoiding it from the time you start trying to conceive until you have finished breastfeeding, and discussing any supplement with your midwife, GP or pharmacist.

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