What Are the 87 Nutrients in Shilajit and How They Help

Reading time:15 min

Published:July 14, 2025

Author:

Cymbiotika

You may have heard of shilajit as a "mountain resin" or a "mineral pitch," but for many, it remains a wellness mystery. When you feel a mid-afternoon energy dip or notice that your standard multivitamin isn't quite hitting the mark, the reason often comes down to mineral depletion. Most modern diets lack the trace elements our bodies need to function at a cellular level. This is where shilajit enters the conversation, offering a complex profile that many researchers and wellness enthusiasts identify as containing 87 distinct nutrients.

Introduction

At Cymbiotika, we believe that your supplements should do more than just sit in your stomach; they should be absorbed and utilized. Shilajit is one of nature’s most bioavailable substances, meaning your body can actually recognize and use the nutrients it provides. This article will explore exactly what those 87 nutrients are, focusing on the ionic minerals and organic acids that make this ancient substance so unique. We will also discuss how to choose a high-quality resin and why the delivery format is the most important factor for your results.

What is Shilajit and Where Does it Come From?

Shilajit is a dense, mineral-rich biomass that seeps from the cracks of rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges, most notably the Himalayas. It is not a plant, nor is it a mineral in the traditional sense. Instead, it is an "herbomineral" formed over centuries by the gradual decomposition of specific plant matter and organic substances.

As these plants break down, they are compressed by the weight of the mountains and the shifting of the earth. Under extreme pressure and temperature changes, they transform into a thick, tar-like resin. This process preserves the nutrients in an ionic form. Ionic minerals are elements that have a positive or negative charge, allowing them to dissolve easily in water and move through the body’s cellular membranes more efficiently than standard mineral salts.

Quick Answer: The 87 nutrients in shilajit typically consist of 85 ionic trace minerals plus two primary organic compounds: fulvic acid and humic acid. This combination is designed by nature to support cellular energy, nutrient transport, and overall mineral balance.

For a closer look at shilajit’s broader mineral profile, explore this guide to shilajit vitamins and minerals.

The Foundation: Fulvic and Humic Acids

Before looking at the long list of minerals, it is essential to understand the "carriers" that make shilajit so effective. Out of the 87 nutrients, fulvic acid and humic acid are the most critical for bioavailability.

Fulvic Acid: The Natural Transporter

Fulvic acid is a low-molecular-weight organic compound that acts as a natural delivery system. In the soil, it helps plants absorb minerals from the earth. In the human body, it does something very similar. It can wrap around nutrients, making them more soluble and helping them cross the cell wall. This is a natural form of what we often call bioavailability, or the degree to which a nutrient becomes available to the target tissue after administration.

Learn more about the relationship between these compounds in this comparison of shilajit and fulvic acid.

Humic Acid: The Structural Support

Humic acid is a larger molecule than fulvic acid. While it also supports nutrient uptake, it is primarily recognized for its role in gut health and its ability to support the body's natural detoxification pathways. Together, these two acids ensure that the other 85 minerals in shilajit don't just pass through your system but actually reach the cells where they are needed.

The 85 Ionic Minerals in Shilajit

The vast majority of the 87 nutrients in shilajit are trace minerals. While we need macrominerals like calcium and magnesium in large amounts, trace minerals are required in tiny doses to act as catalysts for thousands of enzymatic reactions.

Most standard supplements use synthetic mineral salts, which are often difficult for the gut to break down. Shilajit provides these minerals in an "ionic" state, meaning they are already broken down into their smallest, most absorbable form.

Major Electrolytes and Essential Minerals

These are the nutrients your body uses for fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function.

Magnesium (Mg): Supports over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production and muscle relaxation.
Calcium (Ca): Essential for bone density and cardiovascular health.
Potassium (K): Helps maintain healthy fluid levels and nerve transmission.
Sodium (Na): Works alongside potassium to manage cellular hydration.
Phosphorus (P): Critical for the structural integrity of cells and energy storage (ATP).

Critical Trace Elements

These minerals are found in smaller amounts but are vital for metabolic and immune function.

Iron (Fe): Necessary for oxygen transport in the blood.
Zinc (Zn): Supports immune resilience and DNA synthesis.
Selenium (Se): A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress.
Manganese (Mn): Aids in bone formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Copper (Cu): Involved in collagen production and iron absorption.
Iodine (I): Essential for supporting healthy thyroid function.

Rare and "Earth" Elements

Shilajit is unique because it contains rare elements that are almost impossible to find in a standard Western diet.

Boron (B): Supports bone health and the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.
Chromium (Cr): Helps the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.
Lithium (Li): Often used in trace amounts to support mood stability and cognitive wellness.
Germanium (Ge): Recognized for its potential to support cellular oxygenation.
Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au): Historically used in Ayurvedic traditions for their perceived role in longevity and cognitive clarity.

Key Takeaway: The nutritional power of shilajit is not just in the number of nutrients, but in their ionic form. Because these minerals are pre-dissolved and "charged," they require less digestive energy to absorb compared to traditional tablets or capsules.

Why Bioavailability is the Deciding Factor

You could eat the most nutrient-dense diet in the world, but if your body cannot absorb those nutrients, the effort is wasted. This is the core of our philosophy at Cymbiotika. We prioritize bioavailability above all else because a supplement is only as good as its absorption rate.

Standard mineral supplements often have poor absorption because the minerals are bound to large carrier molecules that the body struggles to break down. Shilajit bypasses this issue in two ways:

Small Molecular Size: The minerals are naturally microscopic.
Ionic Charge: The positive and negative charges allow the minerals to be pulled into cells via osmotic pressure.

For more on evaluating quality and absorption, read this guide to choosing shilajit for purity and potency.

When we developed our Pürblack Pure Mineral Shilajit Live Resin, we focused on maintaining this natural bioavailability. By keeping the shilajit in its "live" resin form rather than drying it into a denatured powder, we preserve the delicate fulvic acid molecules and the ionic state of the 85 minerals.

How the 87 Nutrients Support Your Daily Routine

Incorporating shilajit into your life is about more than just "taking a vitamin." It is about restoring a baseline of mineral wealth that allows your other healthy habits to work better. Explore Cymbiotika’s Energy collection for additional formulas that fit an active daily routine.

Morning Energy Support

Many people find that taking shilajit in the morning helps them avoid the typical energy crashes associated with caffeine. Because shilajit supports the mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells) in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the body's primary energy currency), it provides a steady sense of vitality rather than a jittery spike.

Enhanced Nutrient Synergy

Shilajit is known as a "yogavaha" in traditional medicine, which means it enhances the properties of other herbs and nutrients. If you are taking a Liposomal Vitamin D3 + K2 + CoQ10, adding shilajit to your routine may support the transport of those fat-soluble vitamins into your cells. The fulvic acid acts like a key, opening the cellular doors for the other supplements in your stack.

Cognitive and Mental Clarity

The trace minerals in shilajit, such as silver, gold, and lithium, are often associated with "brain fog" reduction. While results vary, many users report a sense of "groundedness" and improved focus. This is likely due to the restoration of electrolyte balance in the brain, which supports faster nerve conduction.

A Comprehensive List of Trace Minerals in Shilajit

For those who want to see the specific complexity of shilajit's 87 nutrients, here is a categorized look at the diverse elements typically found in a high-quality, purified resin.

Category
Key Minerals
Primary Support Area

Electrolytes
Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium
Hydration & Nerve Function

Metabolic Traces
Chromium, Vanadium, Molybdenum, Manganese
Blood Sugar & Enzyme Activity

Immune & Blood
Zinc, Iron, Copper, Selenium, Cobalt
Defense & Oxygen Transport

Structural/Bone
Boron, Silicon, Strontium, Phosphorus
Bone Density & Connective Tissue

Rare Elements
Gold, Silver, Germanium, Cerium, Lithium
Cellular Longevity & Cognitive Health

Organic Acids
Fulvic Acid, Humic Acid
Nutrient Absorption & Detoxification

Note: This list includes trace elements like Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Carbon, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluorine, Gadolinium, Gallium, Hafnium, Holmium, Indium, Iridium, Lanthanum, Lutetium, Neodymium, Nickel, Niobium, Osmium, Palladium, Platinum, Praseodymium, Rhenium, Rhodium, Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Thulium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Uranium, Ytterbium, and Yttrium.

While some of these names may sound unfamiliar, they are naturally occurring elements found in the earth's crust. In shilajit, they are present in safe, "nano" amounts that reflect the natural composition of the soil from which our ancestors gathered food.

Choosing the Right Format: Resin vs. Powder

If you are looking for the full spectrum of 87 nutrients, the format of your supplement matters immensely. You will generally find shilajit in three forms:

Powder: Often the least expensive, but also the most processed. The high heat used to dry shilajit into a powder can damage the fulvic acid and alter the ionic charge of the minerals.
Capsules: Usually contain the powder mentioned above. These often include fillers or flow agents like magnesium stearate, which we avoid in our formulations.
Live Resin: This is the gold standard. It is a semi-solid, purified extract that hasn't been subjected to high-heat drying.

Our Shilajit Liquid Complex and Pürblack Pure Mineral Shilajit Live Resin are designed to maintain the integrity of these nutrients. You can compare Cymbiotika’s shilajit options when deciding which format best fits your routine.

For another perspective, read this guide to shilajit resin, powder, and capsules.

Myth: All shilajit is the same regardless of price.
Fact: Many low-cost shilajit products are "raw" and may contain heavy metals, soil contaminants, or fungal metabolites. High-quality shilajit must be purified and third-party tested to ensure it is safe for human consumption while retaining its mineral profile.

How to Build a Routine with Shilajit

Building a sustainable routine is better than trying to "fix" your health overnight. Consistency is the key to seeing how these 87 nutrients interact with your unique physiology.

Step 1: Start Small. / If using a resin, use the included small scooper or a wooden toothpick to measure a portion about the size of a grain of rice.
Step 2: Dissolve in Warm Liquid. / Place the resin in warm (not boiling) water, herbal tea, or even your morning coffee. Stir until fully dissolved.
Step 3: Timing Matters. / Most people find the best results taking shilajit on an empty stomach in the morning to maximize absorption.
Step 4: Listen to Your Body. / Some people feel an immediate lift in energy, while for others, the benefits of mineral replenishment build over 2–4 weeks.

Bottom line: Shilajit is a foundational supplement. By providing the body with the trace elements it lacks, you create a more efficient internal environment for all your other wellness efforts.

Quality Standards and Safety

Because shilajit is an exudate from rocks, it naturally contains a variety of elements. While the "87 nutrients" include many beneficial trace minerals, it is vital that any shilajit you consume has been purified of harmful heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.

At Cymbiotika, we are dedicated to transparency. Every batch of our shilajit is third-party tested for purity and potency. We ensure that our sourcing is sustainable and that the final product is free from synthetic fillers and GMOs. We align with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards to provide a product you can trust.

For practical quality checks, see this guide to identifying authentic shilajit.

Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication for blood sugar or blood pressure, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding a potent mineral complex like shilajit to your routine.

Conclusion

The 87 nutrients in shilajit—comprised of 85 ionic minerals and the dual power of fulvic and humic acids—offer a unique way to address modern mineral deficiencies. By choosing a high-quality live resin, you are not just taking a supplement; you are providing your cells with the "keys" they need to unlock energy, focus, and resilience.

Wellness starts with trust and transparency. We are committed to providing clean, science-forward formulations that prioritize bioavailability above all else. If you are ready to move beyond generic multivitamins and experience the power of ionic minerals, shilajit is an excellent place to start.

Shilajit contains 85 ionic trace minerals plus fulvic and humic acids.
Bioavailability is the most important factor in choosing a shilajit supplement.
Live resin formats preserve the delicate nutrients better than powders or capsules.
Consistent morning use can support natural energy and cellular health.

If you are unsure where to start with your supplement routine, we encourage you to take The Health Quiz. It’s a simple tool designed to help you build a personalized routine that fits your specific goals and lifestyle.

FAQ

What are the main benefits of the 87 nutrients in shilajit?

The nutrients in shilajit primarily support cellular energy production, mineral balance, and nutrient absorption. Many people find it helps maintain steady energy levels, supports cognitive clarity, and assists in the body's natural recovery processes after physical activity.

How does fulvic acid help with the other 85 minerals?

Fulvic acid acts as a natural chelator, meaning it binds to the ionic minerals and helps transport them across cellular membranes. Without fulvic acid, many of the trace minerals in shilajit would be much harder for the digestive tract to absorb and utilize effectively.

Is it safe to take shilajit every day?

For most healthy adults, shilajit is safe for daily use when taken in the recommended servings. Because it is a concentrated mineral complex, it is best to start with a small amount and see how your body responds. Always ensure your shilajit is third-party tested for purity from heavy metals.

Why is shilajit called an "ionic" mineral supplement?

It is called ionic because the minerals are present in a form that has an electrical charge, which allows them to be easily dissolved in water. This state is much closer to how minerals are found in living plants, making them highly bioavailable compared to the "crushed rock" mineral salts found in many cheaper supplements.

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Shilajit and Where Does it Come From?

The Foundation: Fulvic and Humic Acids

The 85 Ionic Minerals in Shilajit

Why Bioavailability is the Deciding Factor

How the 87 Nutrients Support Your Daily Routine

A Comprehensive List of Trace Minerals in Shilajit

Choosing the Right Format: Resin vs. Powder

How to Build a Routine with Shilajit

Quality Standards and Safety

Conclusion

FAQ

Dive deeper

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry

What is Shilajit and Where Does it Come From?

The Foundation: Fulvic and Humic Acids

The 85 Ionic Minerals in Shilajit

Why Bioavailability is the Deciding Factor

How the 87 Nutrients Support Your Daily Routine

A Comprehensive List of Trace Minerals in Shilajit

Choosing the Right Format: Resin vs. Powder

How to Build a Routine with Shilajit

Quality Standards and Safety

Conclusion

FAQ

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry