While the exact concentration can vary slightly based on the region where the resin is harvested, high-quality shilajit typically contains a consistent profile of minerals and trace elements. Below is a detailed look at many of the key players in this 84-mineral complex.
The Primary Minerals
These are the elements your body uses in larger quantities to support structural and systemic health.
- Calcium (Ca): Essential for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and supporting muscle contractions.
- Magnesium (Mg): Involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production and nervous system support.
- Potassium (K): Helps maintain fluid balance and supports healthy nerve signaling.
- Phosphorus (P): Critical for cellular repair and the storage of energy within molecules.
- Sodium (Na): Works alongside potassium to regulate cellular hydration and electrical charge.
- Sulfur (S): A key component of amino acids, supporting joint health and natural detoxification pathways.
Key Trace Elements
These minerals are needed in smaller amounts but are vital for specific functions like immunity, metabolism, and skin health.
- Iron (Fe): Necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout your blood.
- Zinc (Zn): Supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Copper (Cu): Involved in collagen production and the formation of red blood cells.
- Manganese (Mn): Helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates and the formation of connective tissue.
- Selenium (Se): A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress.
- Iodine (I): Essential for thyroid health and the regulation of metabolism.
- Chromium (Cr): Supports healthy insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
- Molybdenum (Mo): An essential cofactor for enzymes that break down certain amino acids and toxins.
- Boron (B): Supports bone density and the healthy metabolism of calcium and magnesium.
Rare Earth and Trace Elements
Shilajit also contains a wide array of rare elements that contribute to the "synergy" of the resin. While we are still learning the exact role of some of these in human biology, their presence in trace amounts is thought to support the overall balance of the substance.
- Antimony (Sb): Contributes to the antioxidant properties of the resin.
- Barium (Ba): Involved in maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Beryllium (Be): Supports certain enzymatic processes.
- Bismuth (Bi): Known for its potential antimicrobial support.
- Cerium (Ce): A rare earth element that supports cellular energy.
- Cobalt (Co): A necessary component for the body’s synthesis of Vitamin B12.
- Germanium (Ge): Often studied for its ability to support oxygen utilization in cells.
- Gold (Au): Trace amounts are associated with mood support and cognitive clarity.
- Lithium (Li): A trace element known to support emotional balance and brain health.
- Nickel (Ni): Involved in the metabolism of urea and certain lipids.
- Silver (Ag): Known for its natural antimicrobial properties.
- Strontium (Sr): Supports bone density and skeletal integrity.
- Vanadium (V): May support healthy blood sugar levels and insulin function.
The Complete List (Alphabetical)
To answer the question of what are the 84 minerals in shilajit, researchers have identified a vast spectrum. Along with those mentioned above, the list includes:
Aluminum, Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Boron, Bromine, Cadmium, Calcium, Carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluoride, Gadolinium, Gallium, Germanium, Gold, Hafnium, Holmium, Indium, Iodine, Iridium, Iron, Lanthanum, Lithium, Lutetium, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Neodymium, Nickel, Niobium, Osmium, Palladium, Phosphorus, Platinum, Potassium, Praseodymium, Rhenium, Rhodium, Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Sulfur, Tantalum, Tellurium, Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Thulium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Uranium, Vanadium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc, and Zirconium.
Note: Many of these are present in "parts per million" or "parts per billion." This trace presence is intentional by nature, providing a balanced profile without overwhelming the body with any single element.