Can shilajit be taken during pregnancy? Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudation derived from the Himalayan rocks of variable consistency that is available in multiple forms like powder or a tar-like substance. It is obtained from steep cliff sides and rock formations. Shilajit during pregnancy is considered a super food and is a staple used in Ayurveda, the conventional Indian system of healing and health maintenance. Shilajit has been used in pregnancy for hundreds or thousands of years.
Research on Shilajit During Pregnancy
A mouse study, Safe Use of Salajeet During the Pregnancy of Female Mice, found that “All the treated and control animals showed no differences in the number of the litter size, the placenta and the body weight of the embryos and the number of resorped embryos at day 17 of gestation.” In addition, “A daily dosage of 0.1-0.3 g of Shilajit taken internally was reported by almost all of the researchers to have no adverse effects.”
Another study in rabbits, Effects of Asphaltum (Shilajit) Combined with Vitamin E and Selenium on the Reproductive Parameters of Female Rabbits, found “the asphaltum [aka Shilajit] has no toxic effects on reproductive parameters, however, if asphaltum is used in combination with vitamin E and Se, it potentiates female reproduction.”
Another study looked at humic acid in pregnancy with rats. Shilajit is rich in humic acids. Not only were the babies health but they were protected from being irradiated by the humic acids.
While these are just some animal studies, combined with the historical Ayurvedic use of Shilajit in pregnancy, the picture points towards it being safe to take low to moderate doses for pregnant mothers. Still, it is recommended to consult healthcare providers before using Shilajit if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hopefully, in the future, studies on humans taking shilajit while pregnant will further prove out it’s track record of safety.
Benefits of Shilajit during Pregnancy
Here is a list of ten different benefits:
- Shilajit, also called Moomiyo, is a prime source of fulvic acid, helping in nutrient absorption, enhancing energy levels, and promoting nutrient transport.
- Shilajit enhances the absorption of minerals into the cells and increases the potency of substances taken with it due to improved assimilation.
- It is rich in trace minerals that our modern diets are chronically deficient in. Minerals are important for pregnancy.
- By boosting mitochondrial function, Shilajit enhances energy production at the cellular level, leading to increased vitality and stamina.
- Shilajit supports cognitive functions, including memory and learning, to promote brain health.
- Its antioxidant properties enable Shilajit to support the immune system by combating free radicals and reducing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
- The antioxidant properties of Shilajit also help combat cellular damage, potentially slowing the aging process and improving longevity.
- Shilajit is believed to assist in detoxifying the body, removing toxins from the cells.
- All of these benefits can help with various symptoms that may pop up during pregnancy.
- This remarkable herb which is thought to be the key to immortality restores the pain of chronic conditions in pregnant women to normal conditions by improving the body functions and speeding recovery to a sense of well-being.
Pregnancy and Diabetes
Pregnancy can lead to a specific form of diabetes known as gestational diabetes, which occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the effects of a growing fetus and changing hormone levels. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose move from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. However, during pregnancy, the body’s demand for insulin increases, and if the pancreas cannot keep up with this increased demand, glucose levels in the blood can rise, resulting in gestational diabetes. This condition typically arises in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and usually resolves after giving birth.
It turns out that shilajit is sometimes used by pregnant women with diabetes. Dr. Michael Hartman of the Sabinsa Corporation in Bangalore, India says that shilajit has proven to lower blood sugar levels substantially. Diabetic patients should be aware of this because they might have to compensate for this action by reducing insulin dosages to avoid hypoglycemia. If you’re pregnant and have diabetes, this is something you should be aware of.
Shilajit Heavy Metal Concerns
One of the significant concerns associated with Shilajit is its potential contamination with heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. These heavy metals, when consumed, can accumulate in the body and lead to various health issues, including neurological damage and impaired organ function. For pregnant women, the stakes are even higher, as heavy metals can cross the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal development and increasing the risk of birth defects, premature birth, and developmental disorders in children.
Therefore, you want to be sure you’re getting high quality Shilajit that is tested for heavy metals. Below you’ll see our Shilajit Powder passes with flying colors. The Resin is even better. For more on our Heavy Metal Grading System go here.
The delicate nature of pregnancy demands a cautious approach to any supplement, and with shilajit, the variability in purity and the risk of heavy metal contamination underscore the importance of seeking high-quality, tested products.
Is Shilajit safe for breastfeeding?
There is less research on the safety of shilajit for breastfeeding than there is for pregnancy. Not even animal studies could be located for this.
Chances are that if it is safe during pregnancy then it should be safe during lactation as well. Ultimately the choice is up to you. And it is worth talking to your healthcare professionals.
A potential concern when considering shilajit supplementation lies in its effects on uric acid levels and the associated risk of gout. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can lead to the formation of uric acid stones and exacerbate conditions like gout, a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. Moreover, it is important for these individuals to monitor their serum uric acid levels closely after starting shilajit to ensure that it does not adversely affect their condition.