Shilajit is a natural, tar-like substance used for centuries in traditional healing systems, most notably Ayurveda. It is a dark-brown exudate that seeps from rock formations in high-altitude mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Caucasus, and Altai mountains. This material is formed from the decomposition of plant and microbial matter over long geological periods. Consumers often inquire about Shilajit’s precise composition, focusing on whether it contains macro-minerals like magnesium and other trace elements.
Shilajit’s Mineral Profile
Shilajit contains a complex mineral composition, often cited as including over 80 different elements. The presence of magnesium is confirmed, and alongside calcium and potassium, it can constitute a significant portion of the total mineral matter found in the substance. The concentration of magnesium in raw Shilajit typically ranges from 1% to 3% by weight, though this figure can vary based on the geographical source and purification level.
Shilajit is also a source of other macro-elements like potassium and calcium. It provides numerous trace elements, including iron, which is necessary for oxygen transport, and zinc, known for its involvement in immune function. Other trace elements identified are copper, manganese, selenium, and chromium. The mineral content is a dense, diverse matrix reflecting the geology of the specific mountains where it is collected. Overall mineral matter typically makes up 20% to 40% of the substance’s total composition.
How Shilajit Acquires its Mineral Content
The mineral profile of Shilajit results from a process combining biological and geological forces. It begins with the slow decomposition of plant biomass, such as mosses and lichens, trapped in rock crevices. Over centuries, this organic material is subjected to microbial activity, immense pressure, and specific temperature conditions. This transformation converts the ancient plant matter into a dense, humus-like substance that eventually exudes from the rocks as a resin.
The minerals are derived from two primary sources: the decaying plant material and the surrounding geological strata. As the organic matter breaks down, it leaches and concentrates minerals from the immediate rock environment, leading to a mineral-rich final product. The specific type of rock and local ancient flora dictate the final mineral composition, explaining why the elemental balance differs between regions like the Himalayas and the Altai Mountains.
Bioavailability and Fulvic Acid
For a mineral to be beneficial, it must be bioavailable, meaning it can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. High-quality Shilajit is characterized by a significant concentration of fulvic acid, an organic compound formed during the decomposition process. Fulvic acid is a humic substance that often comprises 60% or more of the total humic substances in the resin.
This compound acts as a natural chelator, binding with mineral ions. This chelation transforms minerals like magnesium and iron into smaller, more soluble complexes. Fulvic acid protects the minerals from reacting with other compounds in the digestive tract, ensuring they remain soluble across a wide pH range, from the stomach to the intestines.
The small molecular size of the resulting fulvic acid-mineral complex allows it to function as a carrier molecule. It facilitates the transport of these chelated minerals directly across cell membranes, significantly enhancing their absorption rate. This mechanism is why the minerals in Shilajit are highly absorbable compared to those in other forms.