If you have been paying attention to the supplement world lately, you have probably seen a great deal of conversation about shilajit. Patients ask me about it regularly. They want to know what it is, what it does, and whether it is something they should be taking.
It is an excellent question. And as with most things in natural medicine, the answer requires context and careful thought.
Shilajit and fulvic acid are closely related, but they are not the same. Understanding that distinction helps you make wiser decisions about your health.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural resin that seeps from rocks in mountainous regions, especially in the Himalayas. It forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plant matter under pressure. The result is a dense, mineral-rich substance that contains fulvic acid, humic acid, trace minerals, and a wide range of other organic compounds.
It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally, it has been valued for energy, stamina, resilience, and longevity. Modern research is beginning to support many of these traditional uses.
One reason shilajit has gained attention is its effect on cellular energy. It appears to support ATP production, which is the energy currency of your cells. When ATP production improves, people often notice better endurance, clearer thinking, and improved recovery. There is also research suggesting that shilajit may support healthy testosterone levels and overall hormonal balance in men.
These effects are meaningful. But to understand why, we need to look more closely at one of its key components.
The Role of Fulvic Acid
When we talk about shilajit, we are also talking about fulvic acid, because it is one of the most biologically active components of shilajit.
Fulvic acid is a small molecular weight organic compound formed from the breakdown of ancient plant matter. What makes it so unique is its size and structure. It is highly bioavailable, meaning it can easily move across cell membranes. It acts as a carrier, helping transport minerals and nutrients directly into your cells where they are needed most.
In many ways, fulvic acid represents the most targeted and refined aspect of shilajit.
On its own, fulvic acid has been studied for its role in detoxification, particularly in binding heavy metals and supporting the body’s natural elimination pathways. It is also known to support gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria and helping maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining. From a mitochondrial perspective, fulvic acid may enhance cellular energy production and help reduce oxidative stress. A one-two punch.
It is no secret that fulvic and humic acids are among my favorite tools. You will find them in several of my most foundational formulations. In clinical practice, I have seen fulvic acid support individuals struggling with fatigue, brain fog, environmental toxin exposure, and digestive imbalances. It is remarkably versatile, capable of being taken orally, applied topically, or combined with other therapies to enhance their overall effectiveness.
Whole Resin Versus Refined Component
So, which is better, shilajit or fulvic acid?
That is not the right question, because they serve slightly different purposes.
Shilajit is a complex whole substance. It provides a broad spectrum of minerals and organic compounds that support stamina, resilience, and hormone health. Fulvic acid, when isolated and refined, offers a more focused effect on nutrient transport, detoxification, gut integrity, and cellular function.
In some cases, I recommend them together. Fulvic acid can help prepare the terrain by improving nutrient delivery and reducing toxic burden. Shilajit can then build on that foundation by supporting endurance, strength, and overall vitality. They can work as complementary tools rather than competitors.
How I Think About Using Them
You may notice that I include shilajit in my Chocolate Peptides formula. I chose it intentionally because of its synergistic relationship with collagen, minerals, and mitochondrial support. At the same time, I also offer fulvic acid in many of my formulas. There are situations where a more concentrated and targeted fulvic acid is appropriate, especially when detoxification, nutrient absorption, or gut health are primary concerns.
The key is understanding what your body needs.
If someone is primarily focused on energy, hormone support, and physical resilience, shilajit may be a meaningful addition. If someone is dealing with toxin load, impaired nutrient absorption, gut dysfunction, or chronic fatigue, a high-quality fulvic acid may be especially valuable.
The Importance of Quality and Sourcing
With both shilajit and fulvic acid, quality matters. Shilajit is harvested from mountainous rock formations, and it can contain contaminants if not carefully purified. The same is true for fulvic acid, which must be extracted and processed in a way that preserves its biological activity without introducing impurities.
This is one reason I always emphasize sourcing, testing, and transparency. A well-sourced product can be incredibly supportive. A poorly sourced one can do more harm than good.
There are a lot of folks offering shilajit supplements right now. They are not created equally. Find trustworthy providers, do not buy the cheapest, buy the best.
Supplementation is Not a Trend
My goal is never to chase trends. My goal is to understand the science, respect the tradition, and help you apply it wisely.
Shilajit is not magic. Fulvic acid is not magic. But when we understand how they work at the cellular level, they become extremely powerful tools.
Supplementation should not be about hype or quick fixes. It should focus on supporting the body's design in a thoughtful, strategic way.
If you are considering shilajit, fulvic acid, or both, I encourage you to look at your whole picture. Energy, digestion, detox pathways, hormone balance, and lifestyle all matter.
When we build from the inside out, with the right foundation, your body has an extraordinary capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive.
