Are you into natural Ayurvedic supplements? If yes, then you must be aware of shilajit. It is a mineral and nutrient-dense supplement that is believed to help heal our bodies.
Many assume that shilajit has vitamin B12 in it along with other vitamins and nutrients. But is it actually true? Let’s explore that in this blog and uncover the fact: does shilajit have vitamin B12 or not?
Why Vitamin B12 Matters in the First Place
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin. It fuels two important reactions in the body. One works with folate to help build DNA, without enough B12, this process breaks down and can cause a form of anaemia where red blood cells grow abnormally large.
The other reaction helps convert cellular waste products into usable energy. When this fails due to B12 deficiency, a byproduct builds up that's thought to damage nerves, which is why deficiency can cause neurological problems even before anaemia appears.
Once B12 enters the bloodstream, it needs to get attached to a carrier protein to reach the body's cells. Only a smaller amount attaches to the active carrier, which is the one that does the real job of getting B12 where it needs to go.
Where the "Shilajit Has B12" Claim Comes From
Shilajit is a resin formed in the mountains of the Himalayas. Plants on the mountain get trapped between rock layers. Over years, the trapped plant matter decomposes with the help of surrounding microorganisms, eventually turning into a tarry substance. That tarry sticky matter is shilajit.
The breakdown process of shilajit includes microbial activity. Also, some of the microbes are known to produce cobalamin, the central component of vitamin B12. This has led to a common misconception that shilajit contains B12, however, that isn't actually the case
What Lab Testing Actually Finds
It is not confirmed whether vitamin B12 is present in shilajit. More studies are needed to determine this. A study by Basavaraja et al. (2025) showed cobalt as the traced mineral in shilajit. Cobalt is an important component in vitamin B12 that sits in the centre of the cobalamin molecule.
But the presence of cobalt in shilajit is not the same as the presence of the B12 itself. The formation of B12 requires a biological process, which is carried out by specific bacteria and archaea. This means vitamin B12 cannot be formed alone by cobalt.
Many get confused and start to assume that the presence of cobalt is the same as the presence of B12, but it is not true, they are both very different.
Shilajit's Real, Supported Role: Helping the Body Absorb B12
You must be aware that additional research is required to determine whether vitamin B12 is present in shilajit. But there is more to be known. One of the main components in shilajit is fulvic acid. It acts like the carrier in the body, as fulvic acid has a very small molecular structure. This allows it to easily pass through the cell membrane in the human body and can carry the nutrient into the deeper tissues.
This means shilajit can help in the faster absorption of the vitamin B12 supplement in your body. But remember to consult a doctor if you are taking a B12 supplement and want to include shilajit in your diet.
Same Goes with Other Vitamin Claims
The same pattern shows up with other vitamins too, like C, E, and D. There are several shilajit brands that list minerals related to vitamins, so that the consumer will believe that the vitamins are present in it. Rather than the vitamin itself, what's actually present is one of its cofactor minerals, a related but distinct compound. Studies have shown that cobalt is the traced mineral in shilajit, but many assume that B12 is also present, as it is one of the key components of the structure of the vitamin.
So it is really important to purchase the shilajit products from a trusted and reputable brand only. The brands that are transparent with their consumers.
Conclusion
Shilajit's cobalt content is confirmed, but cobalt is not vitamin B12, and whether shilajit contains usable B12 itself is still unproven. What is well-supported is shilajit's role as a helper: its fulvic acid content can aid the body's absorption of B12 from other sources.
That makes shilajit a possible companion to a B12 supplement, not a replacement for one. If you are relying on shilajit to help your B12 supplement absorb, consult a doctor first, and always choose a pure, authentic product backed by a third-party lab report, since safety comes first.
FAQs
Does shilajit contain vitamin B12?
It has not been confirmed that shilajit contains usable vitamin B12. Shilajit may contain cobalt, which is part of the vitamin B12 molecule, but cobalt alone does not mean vitamin B12 is present. Vitamin B12 must be produced through biological processes involving specific bacteria and archaea.
Can shilajit help with a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Shilajit should not be used on its own to treat a vitamin B12 deficiency or replace vitamin B12 supplements and foods. Anyone with a diagnosed deficiency should follow the treatment recommended by their healthcare provider.
Should vegans or vegetarians take shilajit instead of a B12 supplement?
No. Vegans and vegetarians should obtain vitamin B12 from fortified foods or a suitable supplement rather than relying on shilajit. A doctor or dietitian can recommend the right supplement and dosage based on individual needs.
How much cobalt does shilajit typically contain?
The amount of cobalt can vary depending on the source, location, purity and processing of the shilajit. Check the product's third party laboratory report for batch specific mineral results instead of relying on general claims.
Reference
Basavaraja, D., Katkar, R., Dhaka, P., Tomar, S., Sircar, D., Chikara, G., & Panda, P. K. (2025). Chemical analysis of native Himalayan Shilajit: An evaluation of an Ayurvedic formulation. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c05533
González-Montaña, J.-R., Escalera-Valente, F., Alonso, A. J., Lomillos, J. M., Robles, R., & Alonso, M. E. (2020). Relationship between vitamin B12 and cobalt metabolism in domestic ruminant: An update. Animals, 10(10), Article 1855. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101855
O'Leary, F., & Samman, S. (2010). Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients, 2(3), 299–316. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030299
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.
