- No human or animal research found on kidney or urinary benefits.
- Claims come from traditional use and marketing.
- Kidney disease affects how minerals and metals are cleared.
- People with kidney conditions should ask their kidney team first.
Evidence at a glance
No relevant research found on kidney, bladder or prostate benefits. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
Where kidney and urinary claims come from
Shilajit has a broad traditional reputation as a rejuvenator in Ayurveda,[1] and modern marketing often adds urinary, kidney and prostate benefits to long lists of uses. We found no human trials, and no relevant animal studies, testing these effects. A 2019 review highlighted major gaps in shilajit research generally.[2] So these claims rest on tradition and copywriting, not data; see evidence gaps.
What the evidence shows
| Claim | Evidence |
|---|---|
| “Supports kidney function” | None found |
| “Helps urinary problems” | None found |
| “Prostate support” | None found |
| “Dissolves kidney stones” | None found; a medicinal claim[3] |
Why people with kidney disease should be cautious
Healthy kidneys remove excess minerals and some metals from the body. When kidney function is reduced, these can build up. Shilajit contains minerals, and natural samples can contain metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic in varying amounts.[4] Long-term safety in kidney disease hasn’t been studied. Please speak to your kidney team before taking shilajit, and bring the product’s batch report.
Why batch testing matters for kidney health
Cadmium in particular is associated with kidney harm in long-term exposure research, which is one reason GB law sets a maximum level of 1.0 mg/kg for cadmium in food supplements.[5] Choosing a product with a batch report that shows metals within GB limits is sensible for everyone, and especially important for anyone with reduced kidney function. See cadmium in shilajit and heavy metals.
Urinary symptoms need assessment
Needing to urinate more often, difficulty passing urine, pain, or blood in the urine can indicate infections, prostate enlargement, stones or other conditions that need proper assessment. Men with urinary symptoms should see a GP rather than relying on supplements marketed for the prostate. Early assessment matters.
A note on minerals and stones
People with a history of kidney stones are often advised about their mineral and fluid intake. Shilajit’s mineral content is variable and rarely declared, so if you have had stones, ask your GP or urology team before taking mineral-rich supplements.
Kidney and urinary claims and UK rules
“Supports kidney health” or “prostate support” are health claims that need authorised wording in UK marketing.[6][7] Claims to treat kidney stones, infections or prostate conditions are medicinal claims.[3]
Traditional use and genito-urinary claims
In some traditional systems, shilajit appears in preparations associated with urinary and reproductive health, as part of its broad role as a rejuvenator.[1] Traditional association isn’t evidence of benefit, and traditional preparations differed from modern supplements in purification, combination and dose; see traditional use. When a modern product lists urinary or kidney benefits, ask which human study supports the claim. For shilajit, there isn’t one.
If your kidney team agrees you can take it
Some people with mild kidney problems may be told that a supplement is acceptable. If so, use a product with a batch report covering metals, stick to the label serving, and mention it at routine blood tests so any changes can be interpreted correctly. Stop and seek advice if you notice swelling, changes in urination or feeling unwell; see when to stop.
Older men and urinary symptoms
Urinary symptoms become more common with age, and prostate enlargement is a frequent cause. Effective treatments exist, and a GP can check for other causes at the same time. Supplements marketed for the prostate shouldn’t delay that conversation. Blood in the urine should always be checked promptly, even if it happens only once.
The bottom line
There is no research supporting kidney, urinary or prostate benefits from shilajit. The real kidney question is safety: people with kidney disease should be cautious, because minerals and metals are cleared less effectively. Anyone with urinary symptoms should see a GP rather than self-treating.
Frequently asked questions
Is shilajit good for the kidneys?
There is no research showing kidney benefits. People with kidney disease should be cautious and ask their kidney team first.
Can shilajit damage the kidneys?
There is no evidence of kidney damage at normal servings in healthy people, but contaminants such as cadmium are a concern with long-term exposure, so use a batch-tested product.[5]
Is shilajit safe with chronic kidney disease?
It hasn’t been studied. Reduced kidney function affects how minerals and metals are cleared, so speak to your kidney team.
Does shilajit help the prostate?
No research found. Urinary symptoms in men should be assessed by a GP.
Can shilajit dissolve kidney stones?
No evidence. Treatment claims for kidney stones are medicinal claims.[3]
Does shilajit help urinary tract infections?
Not studied. UTIs need appropriate assessment and often antibiotics.
Does shilajit make you urinate more?
Not studied. If you notice changes in urination, stop and seek advice.
Should I avoid shilajit if I’ve had kidney stones?
Ask your GP or urology team first, as mineral content is variable and rarely declared.
What metal limits apply to supplements?
Lead 3.0, cadmium 1.0 and mercury 0.1 mg/kg as sold in Great Britain.[5]
Where can I read about shilajit and existing conditions?
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.
- Wilson E, Rajamanickam GV, Dubey GP, et al.. Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 136(1):1–9, 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.033; PMID 21530631. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- Shilajit (Mumie): current status of biochemical, therapeutic and clinical advances. Current Nutrition & Food Science 15(2), 2019. doi:10.2174/1573401313666170823160217. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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)]
- 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]