What are the 85 minerals in Shilajit and how do they interact with the body?
Shilajit, the mysterious resin that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas, is exceptionally rich in minerals, with no fewer than 85 different minerals, making it one of the most complete natural supplements ever discovered.
Recent scientific studies confirm what tradition has already affirmed: each mineral present in Shilajit plays a precise role in our body.
The aim of this article is to highlight the natural character of shilajitby highlighting the diversity of the minerals it contains, while providing precise information on their quantities and roles. We often use the term ppm, which stands for 'parts per million'. In practical terms, 1 ppm represents one part for one million parts, a ratio of 1:1,000,000.
In the context of shilajit minerals, for example, if we indicate that calcium is present at 30,292 ppm, this means that there are 30.292 grams of calcium per kilogram of shilajit. This very precise unit of measurement allows us to accurately assess the concentrations, however minute, of the various minerals present in this ancestral resin.
The complete list of minerals in Shilajit
The table contains a complete list(*) of the minerals contained in pure Shilajit before it is marketed: our table allows the elements to be classified into several categories.
| Mineral | Formula | Quantity (ppm) | Category |
|---|
How do the minerals in shilajit affect the nervous system and energy?
Himalayan shilajit is particularly rich in potassium, sodium, iron and zinc, essential minerals for optimal functioning of the nervous system and energy production. Analysis of certain studies shows that the concentration of minerals can vary considerably depending on where the shilajit comes from.
The potassium-sodium combo: essential electrolytes
Potassium, present in high concentrations (approximately 21.5 g/L)associated with sodium (1580 ppm)form a perfectly balanced electrolyte duo. All very well, but how can these two nutrients help our bodies?
Well, this duo is particularly interesting for sportsmen and women, as it helps to :
- Optimum transmission of nerve impulses
- Effective muscle contraction
- Cellular hydration
Iron and zinc: the energising minerals
Here too, research has shown that the iron present in Himalayan shilajit (approximately 145 ppm) is characterised by very high bioavailability
Bioavailability is the quantity of a substance used by the body in relation to the quantity administered. The more bioavailable a substance is, the less it is 'lost'.
And this bioavailability can be achieved largely thanks to the naturally high presence of fulvic acid in shilajit, which makes it an ideal ally for combating fatigue and optimising the transport of nutrients in the body.
Zinc (31 ppm)plays a vital role in over 300 enzymatic reactions linked to energy production. The studies we have analysed suggest that its presence in shilajit contributes to :
- Strengthening the immune system
- Optimising protein synthesis
- Improve post-exercise recovery
What we find particularly fascinating is the way in which these minerals interact with each other in shilajit. Research shows that their synergistic action is "potentiated". (which means "reinforced") by the other natural components of this age-old resin, in particular humic acids and, once again, fulvic acids.
What are the antioxidant properties of the trace elements in Shilajit?
Le shilajit has remarkable antioxidant activity, with a free radical neutralisation rate of 95-97% according to recent studies. This powerful antioxidant action is due to the synergistic presence of several key trace elements: selenium, copper, manganese and chromium.
During our studies and research into Shilajit, we were particularly impressed by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) of shilajit, which is significantly higher than that of many superfoods such as bilberries. Scientific analysis shows that seleniumpresent at around 93 ppm in some samples, plays a major role in this antioxidant activity.
Le copper and the manganese work in tandem in shilajit, with concentrations of around 9-13 ppm and 16 ppm respectively. What particularly fascinates us is their role in cell protection:
- Copper is involved in the production of antioxidant enzymes
- Manganese boosts superoxide dismutase (a powerful natural antioxidant)
- Together, they help protect cell membranes
Research shows that these trace elements, combined with the fulvic acids in shilajit, offer particularly effective protection against oxidative stress.
Le chromeShilajit, although present in smaller quantities, complements this antioxidant action while playing its part in glucose metabolism. This particularity makes Shilajit an ally for sportsmen and women who want to recover better, or who want to improve their blood sugar levels.
How do the rare earths in shilajit contribute to its effectiveness?
Le shilajit is also distinguished by the unique presence of rare earth elements, including lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium and neodymium. These elements, which are particularly rare in traditional food supplements, make a significant contribution to shilajit's overall mineral balance and bioactive properties.
Recent scientific research shows that lanthanumthe first of these remarkable elements, plays a fundamental structural role in the composition of shilajit. It is involved in the creation of molecular complexes that facilitate the absorption of other minerals.
Le ceriumis particularly interesting for its action at cellular level. Studies suggest that it contributes to :
- Stabilising cell membranes
- Optimising ion exchange
- Supporting mitochondrial function
The duo praseodymium-neodymium has equally fascinating properties. Research carried out on shilajit shows that these two rare earths act synergistically to :
- Strengthening the molecular structure of shilajit
- Improving the bioavailability of other minerals
- Maintaining the stability of bioactive compounds
Once again, all this interacts with the main component of shilajit, which is fulvic acid.
But beyond these rare earths, shilajit also contains minerals with specific antimicrobial and adaptogenic properties...
What are the unique properties of the specialised minerals in shilajit?
Le shilajit contains minerals with exceptional properties that can also have an effect on the immune system and stress. Scientific research has identified three distinct categories of specialised minerals: antimicrobials, adaptogens and immunomodulatorseach playing a specific role in its therapeutic effects.
Natural antimicrobial minerals
L'silver and the bismuth present in shilajit (2.8 ppm and traces respectively) have demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial properties. Studies show that these minerals contribute to shilajit's ability to :
- Fight certain bacterial strains
- Reinforcing the natural immune response
- Maintaining a balanced intestinal flora
Le germaniumadaptogen mineral par excellence, is of particular interest to athletes. Research that we are following closely at Dix currently shows that it helps the body to :
- Managing physical and mental stress more effectively
- Optimising cellular oxygenation
- Improving recovery after exercise
Finally, we'll end this long list with the duo zinc-gallium. Zinc (31 ppm)already mentioned for its energising properties and in our article on how zinc improves your sporting performanceworks in synergy with gallium to modulate the immune response in an intelligent, balanced way.
(*) Pure untreated Shilajit may also contain trace amounts of Mercury, Cadmium, Uranium and Lead, which are toxic elements. The Shilajit sold is processed using extreme purification protocols to guarantee the safety of the products and users.
Scientific publications on Shilajit minerals
- "Inorganic analysis and antioxidant activity of Shilajit (Detailed study on the mineral composition and antioxidant properties of shilajit) DOI: 10.1155/2012/674142
- "Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity " (Research into the effects of shilajit on cognitive function and mineral composition) DOI: 10.1155/2012/674142
- "Safety and effectiveness of Shilajit (Mumie, Moomiyo) (In-depth evaluation of the safety and benefits of shilajit) DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5018
- "Complement fixation activity of fulvic acid from Shilajit and other natural sources". (Study on the biological properties of shilajit components) DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2635
- "Morphometric study of primary rat hippocampal cells exposed to Shilajit". (Research into the cellular effects of shilajit) International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Vol. 2012 Link to the study
