Shilajit is a mountain resin known for its wide range of beneficial properties and its 85+ naturally occurring minerals. People are not fully aware of the minerals present in shilajit, meaning they also don't have an idea whether shilajit contains iodine in it or not. In this blog, we will break down whether shilajit actually contains iodine or not, whether that iodine is even absorbed by the body, and what precautions to keep in mind before adding it to your routine.
Introduction to Shilajit
Shilajit is formed when plants that are present in the mountains of the Everest region are trapped between rocks along with organisms for years and years and decompose. The plant matter is then turned into a tar-like, sticky resin. This is how raw shilajit is formed in the mountains between the rocks. This tarry resin softens during the summer months and seeps through the cracks of the rocks and is harvested by the shilajit harvesters.
Shilajit can be found in various regions of the world, not just in the Everest region. The composition of shilajit from different regions of origin is slightly different from each other because climate, plant matter, altitude, the rocks and soil of the surrounding area, and other factors play an important role in deciding the chemical composition of shilajit.
Why Iodine in the Body Is Needed
Iodine is an important microelement needed by humans. One of the major reasons that iodine is needed in the human body is that the thyroid gland absorbs it and uses it for several reasons, such as metabolism, growth, and development. Along with that, it also has antioxidant properties in it. Iodine cannot be produced by our body, and it is fully dependent on an external source. The body receives it in three ways, which are food, inhalation, and the environment. Foods that are high in iodine are fish, seaweed, milk products, and more.
Without enough iodine in your body, the thyroid gland can't work properly. This can affect how you grow and develop. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy isn't just a maternal health issue, it can have lasting effects on a child's neurological development, making adequate iodine intake essential.
It's worth remembering that balance matters, too much iodine can throw your thyroid off just as much as too little, and that can come with some serious side effects. So you need to maintain the iodine levels in your body, which is 150 mcg for an adult.
Is Iodine Present in Shilajit
Yes, shilajit contains iodine as one of its trace minerals. As mentioned above, shilajit occurs naturally after the decomposition of plant matter between the rocks; during this years-long decomposition process, shilajit absorbs all the minerals that are present in the surrounding rocks and soil. Other minerals are also present in shilajit such as iron, magnesium, calcium, etc.
But remember these few things before having shilajit:
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Iodine that is present in shilajit is not sufficient for the human body, as it is available in a trace amount.
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If you are suffering from iodine deficiency, then make sure that you go for an iodine supplement, and shilajit can act as a supportive supplement; also, shilajit will help the iodine to be absorbed in the body faster.
Is the Present Iodine Absorbed?
Iodine does get absorbed in the body, and one of the main components of shilajit is fulvic acid. Fulvic acid acts like a carrier in the body, meaning it binds to the minerals and nutrients that are present and transports them to the deeper tissues of the body so they get absorbed faster.
Fulvic acid has a very low molecular weight, which means it can easily travel to the deeper cells of the body.
Precautions to Take While Having Shilajit
Shilajit is a well-known beneficial supplement, but here are some of the following things that you must consider:
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Shilajit is not meant for children, as there is more research needed on shilajit about how it works in developing bodies.
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Try not to exceed the recommended dose of shilajit, the recommended dose for an adult is 500 mg of pure shilajit extract. If you are a first-time user of shilajit, then start with 250 mg.
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If the person is on any form of medication, then it is better to consult a doctor before including shilajit in your diet.
Conclusion
Among the several trace minerals in shilajit, iodine is one of them. Still, shilajit should not be viewed as a reliable iodine supplement on its own. If you are specifically trying to manage your iodine intake, whether to correct a deficiency or avoid excess, it's best to track it through diet or a dedicated iodine supplement and talk to a doctor before combining it with shilajit, especially if you have a thyroid condition.
FAQs
How much iodine is in shilajit?
There is no standard amount of iodine in shilajit. Its iodine content can vary depending on its geographical origin, mineral composition, and processing method. Because it generally contains only trace amounts, shilajit should not be considered a reliable iodine supplement.
Can shilajit cause excessive iodine intake?
Shilajit alone is unlikely to cause excessive iodine intake because it typically contains only trace amounts. However, people who consume iodine-rich foods or take iodine supplements should consider their total intake, especially if they have a thyroid condition.
Can shilajit replace iodine-rich foods or supplements?
No. Shilajit is not a dependable substitute for iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, seaweed, or a medically recommended iodine supplement. Anyone concerned about iodine deficiency should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Who should consult a doctor before taking shilajit?
People with thyroid disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and anyone taking medication should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using shilajit. This is especially important when iodine intake needs to be carefully managed.
References
Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012, 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142
Ghareeb, O. A., & Ali, Q. A. (2024). Iodine's role in public health: Review. The Peerian Journal, 26, 89–100.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2024, November 5). Iodine: Fact sheet for health professionals. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
Nedić, O. (2023). Iodine: Physiological importance and food sources. eFood, 4(1), e63. https://doi.org/10.1002/efd2.63
Rowland, D. (1995). Vitamin/mineral composition (U.S. Patent No. 5,405,613). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patents.google.com/patent/US5405613A/en
Sorrenti, S., Baldini, E., Pironi, D., Lauro, A., D'Orazi, V., Tartaglia, F., Tripodi, D., Lori, E., Gagliardi, F., Praticò, M., Illuminati, G., D'Andrea, V., Palumbo, P., & Ulisse, S. (2021). Iodine: Its role in thyroid hormone biosynthesis and beyond. Nutrients, 13(12), 4469. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124469
Written By:
Meera Kami is a writer at Everest Shilajit, where she covers natural wellness, herbal traditions, and the science behind them, with a particular interest in how shilajit is studied and used today. Her approach is research-driven, turning evidence, field stories, and brand ideas into clear, source-focused content while still appreciating the cultural history behind these remedies.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
