A traditional mineral-rich tonic now studied mainly for testosterone support in older men, bone preservation after menopause, reduced exercise fatigue, and antioxidant effects. The strongest findings come from small, often industry-linked trials, so confidence is moderate at best. The dominant concern is purity: raw, untested material can carry lead and other toxic metals. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Total testosterone (men) | 500–900 ng/dL | Primary efficacy marker for hormonal use |
| Free testosterone (men) | Upper third of lab range | Reflects bioavailable hormone |
| DHEAS | Mid–upper reference range for age | Hormone precursor responsive to shilajit |
| Bone mineral density (DEXA T-score) | Above −1.0 (or improvement from baseline) | Efficacy marker for bone use (postmenopausal women) |
| hsCRP | <1.0 mg/L | Tracks anti-inflammatory effect |
| Blood lead | <3.5 µg/dL (as low as possible) | Safety: detects contaminant accumulation |
| Ferritin / iron studies | Ferritin ~50–150 ng/mL | Safety: detects iron overload from mineral load |
| Fasting glucose / HbA1c | Glucose 70–90 mg/dL; HbA1c <5.4% | Monitors additive glucose-lowering |
| Comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney/liver) | Within optimal functional ranges | Safety: organ function affecting clearance |
Cadence: Baseline, then ~8–12 weeks after starting, then every 6–12 months; blood lead and iron studies at least annually