What Is PrimaVie Shilajit?

PrimaVie Purified Shilajit is a high-quality health product that contains several beneficial compounds, including dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), DBP-chromoproteins (DCP), fulvic acid, and a range of minerals.

Shilajit is a sticky substance primarily found on the rocks in the Himalayas, though it’s also common in other parts of the world. The substance accumulates over centuries due to plant decomposition. ((Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142))((Shailesh K. Bhavsar, Aswin M. Thaker, Jitendra K. Malik, Chapter 51 – Shilajit, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 707-716, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00051-6))

Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have known about shilajit for centuries and have used it as a rejuvenator and for its anti-aging properties. ((Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142))((Shailesh K. Bhavsar, Aswin M. Thaker, Jitendra K. Malik, Chapter 51 – Shilajit, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 707-716, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00051-6))((Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK. Shilajit: a review. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):401-5. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2100. PMID: 17295385)) The substance has also been used as a source of other benefits and to treat a range of ailments, but the exact effects differ between regions ((Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142)). Research on shilajit shows that it also appears to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and other positive activities in the body. ((Shailesh K. Bhavsar, Aswin M. Thaker, Jitendra K. Malik, Chapter 51 – Shilajit, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 707-716, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00051-6))

Benefits and Effects of PrimaVie Shilajit

An ever-growing body of research finds shilajit highly beneficial for our health. One of the substance’s most notable effects relates to its mitochondrial effects and ability to provide energy for various cells in the body.

Energy Production Enhancer

One of the primary functions of shilajit is to promote the synthesis of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule––the energy currency for all cells in the body. ((Shailesh K. Bhavsar, Aswin M. Thaker, Jitendra K. Malik, Chapter 51 – Shilajit, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 707-716, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00051-6))((Stohs, Sidney J., Kanhaiya Singh, Amitava Das, Sashwati Roy, and Chandan K. Sen. 2017. “Energy and Health Benefits of Shilajit.” Sustained Energy for Enhanced Human Functions and Activity, 187–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-805413-0.00012-0.))

Under normal circumstances, the body can produce enough ATP molecules to cover its energetic needs. But, as we do something more physically demanding (such as exercise), ATP needs can increase as much as 1,000-fold. ((Baker, Julien S., Marie Clare McCormick, and Robert A. Robergs. 2010. “Interaction among Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Energy Systems during Intense Exercise.” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2010: 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/905612.)) As a result, the body is unable to produce enough energy on time, and we experience fatigue and an inability to maintain a specific intensity level. Given adequate recovery, the body has enough time to accumulate more ATP molecules, allowing us to resume activity.

Researchers also note that shilajit can be helpful for people who ascend to high-altitude areas. It’s been well-established that high altitude can lead to various problems for unaccustomed people, including hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels), insomnia, fatigue, dementia, confusion, and more.((Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. Nutritional Needs In Cold And In High-Altitude Environments: Applications for Military Personnel in Field Operations. Edited by Bernadette M. Marriott and Sydne J. Carlson. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US), 1996. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232865/.))((Meena, Harsahay, HK Pandey, MC Arya, and Zakwan Ahmed. 2010. “Shilajit: A Panacea for High-Altitude Problems.” International Journal of Ayurveda Research 1 (1): 37. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59942.)) The effects begin to occur because of the drop in blood oxygen levels, which prevents the body from producing energy aerobically.((Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. Nutritional Needs In Cold And In High-Altitude Environments: Applications for Military Personnel in Field Operations. Edited by Bernadette M. Marriott and Sydne J. Carlson. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US), 1996. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232865/.))((Grover, R. F., J. V. Weil, and J. T. Reeves. “Cardiovascular Adaptation to Exercise at High Altitude.” Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews 14 (1986): 269–302.))

In a 2010 study, researchers tested shilajit’s impact on the common problems people deal with at higher altitudes. ((Meena, Harsahay, HK Pandey, MC Arya, and Zakwan Ahmed. 2010. “Shilajit: A Panacea for High-Altitude Problems.” International Journal of Ayurveda Research 1 (1): 37. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59942.)) Specifically, shilajit was found beneficial for hypoxia and fatigue, among other things. One of the reasons for these effects is that fulvic acid stimulates blood formation and energy production.

Another study found similar effects from shilajit supplementation. In it, albino mice were forced to swim for long periods and deplete themselves of ATP. ((Bhattacharyya, Sauryya, Debasish Pal, Amartya Gupta, Partha Ganguly, Upal Majumder, and Shibnath Ghosal. 2009. “Beneficial Effect of Processed Shilajit on Swimming Exercise Induced Impaired Energy Status of Mice.” Pharmacologyonline 1: 817–25. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2009/vol1/083.Sauryya.pdf.))After seven days of intense swimming tests, ATP levels had dropped by 82, 33, and 35 percent in the muscles, brain, and blood, respectively.

Interestingly, post-exercise shilajit supplementation (30 mg per kilogram of body weight) led to significantly smaller drops in ATP over the same period. The mice in the shilajit group saw ATP drops of 65, 22, and 14 percent in the muscles, brain, and blood. Results of the experiment further suggest that shilajit is a potent supplement that can promote energy production in the body.

Physical Performance Enhancer

Unsurprisingly, since shilajit can promote energy production, it’s not a reach to assume that it can also lead to better physical performance. As discussed earlier, ATP demands can skyrocket during exercise, and quicker energy production would translate into better performance and fewer bottlenecks. ((Baker, Julien S., Marie Clare McCormick, and Robert A. Robergs. 2010. “Interaction among Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Energy Systems during Intense Exercise.” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2010: 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/905612.))

In one recent study, researchers set out to examine the effects of two shilajit doses on measures of contraction strength, peak torque, and endurance. ((Keller, Joshua L., Terry J. Housh, Ethan C. Hill, Cory M. Smith, Richard J. Schmidt, and Glen O. Johnson. 2019. “The Effects of Shilajit Supplementation on Fatigue-Induced Decreases in Muscular Strength and Serum Hydroxyproline Levels.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2)) Sixty-three active individuals were split equally into three groups:

• Group 1 – 250 mg shilajit per day
• Group 2 – 500 mg shilajit per day
• Group 3 – placebo

The experiment lasted for eight weeks, and researchers noted marked improvements in the retention of maximal strength in the 500 mg group. Subjects experienced much smaller drops in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength due to fatigue. Interestingly, there didn’t seem to be a significant difference between the 250 mg and the placebo groups.

Promoter of Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy

In a 2016 study, researchers set out to determine the impact of shilajit supplementation on skeletal muscle adaptation in overweight and obese adults. ((Das, Amitava, Soma Datta, Brian Rhea, Mithun Sinha, Muruganandam Veeraragavan, Gayle Gordillo, and Sashwati Roy. 2016. “The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation.” Journal of Medicinal Food 19 (7): 701–9. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.0010)) The participants were 16 adults with an average BMI of 28.9. All subjects visited the lab four times: before the study began, after eight weeks of supplementation, and after four more weeks of supplementation paired with exercise. Researchers took blood samples, small muscle biopsies, blood pressure readings, and general information (BMI, gender, age, etc.) at each visit.

All subjects received 250 mg PrimaVie Shilajit capsules twice daily for the first eight weeks. The participants received the same shilajit dose for the final four weeks but had to complete 30 minutes of varied treadmill training three times per week.

Supplementation was tolerated well among subjects, and the results after 12 weeks were interesting. Subjects lost an average of one pound and gained lean body mass, indicating a successful body recomposition.

Another study examined the effects of shilajit on testosterone in men between the ages of 45 and 55. ((Pandit, S., S. Biswas, U. Jana, R. K. De, S. C. Mukhopadhyay, and T. K. Biswas. 2015. “Clinical Evaluation of Purified Shilajit on Testosterone Levels in Healthy Volunteers.” Andrologia 48 (5): 570–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.12482.)) The men received 250 mg of shilajit twice daily or a placebo, and the experiment lasted for 90 days. Researchers noted marked increases in total and free testosterone levels.

Higher testosterone doesn’t necessarily cause muscle hypertrophy, but research finds that the hormone is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and overall health in men. ((Griggs, R. C., W. Kingston, R. F. Jozefowicz, B. E. Herr, G. Forbes, and D. Halliday. 1989. “Effect of Testosterone on Muscle Mass and Muscle Protein Synthesis.” Journal of Applied Physiology 66 (1): 498–503. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1989.66.1.498))((Brodsky, I G, P Balagopal, and K S Nair. 1996. “Effects of Testosterone Replacement on Muscle Mass and Muscle Protein Synthesis in Hypogonadal Men–a Clinical Research Center Study.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 81 (10): 3469–75. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.81.10.8855787))((Jia, Huanguang. 2015. “Review of Health Risks of Low Testosterone and Testosterone Administration.” World Journal of Clinical Cases 3 (4): 338. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v3.i4.338))

How It Works

Shilajit appears to have excellent bioavailability and impacts numerous systems inside the body. The substance impacts the nervous and endocrine systems, affects energy production rates, and shows promise as an ergogenic agent.

According to most of the research we’ve seen so far, shilajit’s primary functions relate to cellular function.

ATP Synthesis and Retention

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules are the primary energy currency for the body. These molecules consist of adenosine and three phosphate groups. When broken up, ATP releases energy, fueling cells in the body and allowing us to live, move, and function.

Proper ATP synthesis is vital for our health, athleticism, well-being, and overall energy levels. In studies we’ve seen so far, shilajit supplementation promotes ATP synthesis and reduces depletion. In a couple of papers, researchers referred to shilajit as a revitalizer thanks to its ability to enhance ATP production. ((Shailesh K. Bhavsar, Aswin M. Thaker, Jitendra K. Malik, Chapter 51 – Shilajit, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 707-716, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00051-6))((Stohs, Sidney J., Kanhaiya Singh, Amitava Das, Sashwati Roy, and Chandan K. Sen. 2017. “Energy and Health Benefits of Shilajit.” Sustained Energy for Enhanced Human Functions and Activity, 187–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-805413-0.00012-0.)) In another study, the authors noted that shilajit supplementation promotes ATP retention in the muscles, brain, and blood. ((Bhattacharyya, Sauryya, Debasish Pal, Amartya Gupta, Partha Ganguly, Upal Majumder, and Shibnath Ghosal. 2009. “Beneficial Effect of Processed Shilajit on Swimming Exercise Induced Impaired Energy Status of Mice.” Pharmacologyonline 1: 817–25. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2009/vol1/083.Sauryya.pdf.))

Yet another paper suggests that shilajit supplementation promotes ATP synthesis by improving mitochondria function, leading to ergogenic effects. ((Keller, Joshua L., Terry J. Housh, Ethan C. Hill, Cory M. Smith, Richard J. Schmidt, and Glen O. Johnson. 2019. “The Effects of Shilajit Supplementation on Fatigue-Induced Decreases in Muscular Strength and Serum Hydroxyproline Levels.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2)) Another study had similar findings. ((Das, Amitava, Soma Datta, Brian Rhea, Mithun Sinha, Muruganandam Veeraragavan, Gayle Gordillo, and Sashwati Roy. 2016. “The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation.” Journal of Medicinal Food 19 (7): 701–9. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.0010))

HPA Axis Modulation

HPA axis, short for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, refers to the interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are parts of the brain located above the brainstem, whereas the adrenal glands lie on top of the kidneys. Communication between these three is crucial for the body’s normal stress response. ((Herman, James P., Jessica M. McKlveen, Sriparna Ghosal, Brittany Kopp, Aynara Wulsin, Ryan Makinson, Jessie Scheimann, and Brent Myers. 2016. “Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Stress Response.” Comprehensive Physiology 6 (2): 603–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c150015))

The axis also plays a role in our energy levels and health because it stimulates the release of glucocorticoids––steroid hormones that support our immunity, protect us from inflammation, and regulate critical metabolic processes. ((Chourpiliadis, Charilaos, and Narothama R. Aeddula. “Physiology, Glucocorticoids.” In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2022. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560897/.))

According to some research, shilajit supplementation can reduce behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by modulating the activity of the HPA axis. ((Surapaneni, Dinesh Kumar, Sree Rama Shiva Shanker Adapa, Kumari Preeti, Gangineni Ravi Teja, Muruganandam Veeraragavan, and Sairam Krishnamurthy. 2012. “Shilajit Attenuates Behavioral Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Modulating the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis and Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 143 (1): 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.002)) The potential benefits of these effects are the reversal of CFS-induced decrease in plasma corticosterone levels and reduced adrenal gland weight.

Other Effects on the Body

A notable shilajit function is the transportation of nutrients to deep tissues, thus helping us overcome tiredness and fatigue. ((Bhattacharyya, Sauryya, Debasish Pal, Amartya Gupta, Partha Ganguly, Upal Majumder, and Shibnath Ghosal. 2009. “Beneficial Effect of Processed Shilajit on Swimming Exercise Induced Impaired Energy Status of Mice.” Pharmacologyonline 1: 817–25. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2009/vol1/083.Sauryya.pdf.)) The main carrier molecules in shilajit are fulvic acid, humus, and organic plant materials.

Research also suggests that shilajit possesses potent anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing properties. ((Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142)) Fulvic acid inhibits the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, which promotes good memory and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. ((Cornejo, Alberto, José M. Jiménez, Leonardo Caballero, Francisco Melo, and Ricardo B. Maccioni. 2011. “Fulvic Acid Inhibits Aggregation and Promotes Disassembly of Tau Fibrils Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 27 (1): 143–53. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-2011-110623)) Shilajit also appears to have antioxidant properties and can reliably reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels. ((Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142))((Sharma, Praveen, Jagrati Jha, V. Shrinivas, L. K. Dwivedi, P. Suresh, and M. Sinha. “Shilajit: Evalution of Its Effects on Blood Chemistry of Normal Human Subjects.” Ancient Science of Life 23, no. 2 (October 2003): 114–19.))

As we saw in a study above, shilajit can also positively affect skeletal muscle. ((Das, Amitava, Soma Datta, Brian Rhea, Mithun Sinha, Muruganandam Veeraragavan, Gayle Gordillo, and Sashwati Roy. 2016. “The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation.” Journal of Medicinal Food 19 (7): 701–9. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2016.0010))The benefits occur partially thanks to shilajit’s ability to upregulate ECM-related genes responsible for muscle mechanotransduction properties (ability to adapt to mechanical stimuli), repair, and regeneration.

Some data also shows that shilajit could enhance the effects of other drugs. For example, in one paper, researchers found that humic acid (which is present in large doses in shilajit) can act as a complexing agent and improve the solubility, permeability, and release time of carbamazepine (a drug used to treat epilepsy). ((Mirza, Mohd. Aamir, Suraj Prakash Agarwal, Md. Akhlaquer Rahman, Abdur Rauf, Niyaz Ahmad, Aftab Alam, and Zeenat Iqbal. 2010. “Role of Humic Acid on Oral Drug Delivery of an Antiepileptic Drug.” Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy 37 (3): 310–19. https://doi.org/10.3109/03639045.2010.512011)) Rodent research has had similar findings when combining shilajit with glibenclamide or metformin, which are used to control blood sugar levels. ((Trivedi, N. A., B. Mazumdar, J. D. Bhatt, K. G. Hemavathi. 2004. “Effect of Shilajit on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats.” Indian Journal of Pharmacology 36: 373–6. https://www.ijp-online.com/text.asp?2004/36/6/373/13510.))

Dosage

The general dosing recommendations for shilajit are 250 to 1,000 mg daily. Subjects in most of the studies we’ve reviewed took 250 to 500 mg daily, usually split into two doses: one in the morning and one at night.

Shilajit timing doesn’t seem to play a role in its effectiveness, and the supplement doesn’t impair sleep, so taking it late at night isn’t an issue.

You can take PrimaVie Shilajit on an empty stomach or with food—whichever is more convenient. Shilajit can also be taken at the same time as some other supplements and medications.

Stacking

Shilajit has various functions in the body and could work well with other supplements and medications. Some of shilajit’s most notable benefits relate to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One option is to pair it with vitamin C, which is also a potent antioxidant with a favorable impact on immune system function. ((Chambial, Shailja, Shailendra Dwivedi, Kamla Kant Shukla, Placheril J. John, and Praveen Sharma. 2013. “Vitamin c in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview.” Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 28 (4): 314–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-013-0375-3))((Carr, Anitra C, and Silvia Maggini. 2017. “Vitamin c and Immune Function.” Nutrients 9 (11): 1211. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/.))

The product also promotes ATP synthesis and has ergogenic benefits. Combining it with citrulline malate, creatine monohydrate, and beta-alanine can elevate your performance and lead to superior training results.

Does PrimaVie Have Side Effects?

PrimaVie Shilajit is quite safe, and no research suggests any adverse effects from taking it. For instance, in one rodent study, 91 days of shilajit treatment didn’t bring any side effects, and researchers concluded, “The result suggests that black shilajit, an Ayurvedic formulation, is safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement for a number of disorders like iron deficiency anemia.” ((Velmurugan, C, B Vivek, E Wilson, T Bharathi, and T Sundaram. 2012. “Evaluation of Safety Profile of Black Shilajit after 91 Days Repeated Administration in Rats.” Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2 (3): 210–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60043-4))

Research on humans also finds shilajit exceptionally safe and well-tolerated with no adverse effects on blood chemistry. ((Sharma, Praveen, Jagrati Jha, V. Shrinivas, L. K. Dwivedi, P. Suresh, and M. Sinha. “Shilajit: Evalution of Its Effects on Blood Chemistry of Normal Human Subjects.” Ancient Science of Life 23, no. 2 (October 2003): 114–19.))

Final Thoughts

Shilajit is a remarkable substance with numerous health benefits and tons of potential. While we need more research to understand all of shilajit’s effects and how it impacts human health, numerous studies find it quite beneficial on many fronts and entirely safe.

Anyone interested in improving their energy levels, supporting healthy muscle gain, and boosting their health should consider shilajit.