Abstract
Shilajit, a phyto-mineral resin traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, has recently gained commercial prominence as an ingredient in dietary supplements and energy drinks. Despite its historical use, the incorporation of Shilajit into products intended for regular consumption raises substantial public health concerns. This review critically examines the scientific evidence regarding Shilajit's safety profile, with particular emphasis on documented heavy metal contamination, adverse clinical events, the efficacy evidence gap, and the fragmented international regulatory landscape. Analytical studies have detected thallium concentrations up to 0.5 µg/g in commercial supplements—exceeding levels found in crude Shilajit—while other toxic metals including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury have been consistently identified (Kamgar et al., 2025). Regulatory actions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Philippine FDA, and Health Canada underscore persistent safety concerns regarding unapproved therapeutic claims, manufacturing violations, and unregistered products. The paucity of robust clinical evidence supporting purported energy-enhancing effects, combined with documented cases of adverse reactions including anaphylaxis, necessitates stringent quality control, standardized testing protocols, and regulatory harmonization. This review concludes that regular consumption of Shilajit-containing energy drinks cannot be recommended based on current evidence. Recommendations are provided for regulatory authorities to develop evidence-based frameworks ensuring consumer safety.
Keywords: Shilajit, thallium, heavy metals, dietary supplements, energy drinks, anaphylaxis
