The Endurance Advantage: Why Ultra-Athletes Are Turning to Shilajit

Shilajit, an ancient herbal-mineral compound with origins in the Himalayas, is gaining traction among ultra-athletes as a natural supplement that enhances physical performance and resilience. This substance has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine due to its rejuvenating effects and adaptogenic qualities, but recent scientific studies are now validating its traditional uses.

Shilajit’s resurgence can be attributed to its numerous health benefits, particularly those relevant to athletes seeking an edge in their endurance training and competitions. Let’s explore why this substance is becoming a staple in the routines of many ultra-endurance athletes around the world.

The Science Behind Shilajit

Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBPs), both of which have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and energy-boosting properties. Researchers have found that Shilajit can significantly enhance physical performance by upregulating genes related to muscle structure and repair.

Gene Expression Analysis: In a clinical trial conducted by Das et al., 2016 (NCT 02026414), the effects of PrimaVie® Shilajit on skeletal muscle adaptation were investigated. Participants who received Shilajit at a dosage of 250 mg twice daily for eight weeks showed a significant increase in the expression of 17 genes related to the extracellular matrix (ECM) such as COL1A1, COL3A1, TNXB, DCN, FBN1, and FN1. All these genes play crucial roles in muscle structure and repair.

Physical Performance Benefits

The benefits of Shilajit extend beyond mere gene expression; it also shows promise in improving physical performance through fatigue reduction and enhanced musculoskeletal adaptation.

• Fatigue Reduction: Studies have shown that regular intake of Shilajit can reduce exercise-induced muscle fatigue.
• Muscular Adaptation: Shilajit supplementation leads to upregulation of ECM-related genes, enhancing the repair and structure of skeletal muscles.

Neltner et al. 2025 Study: Neltner et al., in a randomized controlled trial published in J Diet Suppl (Vol 21), found that men who received Shilajit supplementation showed increased levels of pro-c1α1 protein, indicating enhanced type 1 collagen synthesis.

Shilajit and Musculoskeletal Health

Musculoskeletal health is vital for athletes engaged in endurance events. The ability to withstand the rigors of prolonged physical activity while maintaining muscle strength is critical. Keller et al., 2019: Keller et al.’s research demonstrated that daily intake of 500 mg of Shilajit helped maintain muscle strength following exercise-induced fatigue, promoting beneficial changes in muscle structure. This study also showed a notably smaller decline in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength after fatigue-inducing exercise compared to placebo and lower-dose groups.

Comparative Study

A comparative analysis between Shilajit supplementation versus placebos highlights its effectiveness:

Adaptogenic Qualities and Hormonal Balance

Shilajit’s adaptogenic qualities, which help the body cope with stress, are also beneficial for ultra-athletes. By regulating hormones like cortisol, Shilajit can enhance recovery time between training sessions.

Pandit et al., 2025: Purified Shilajit (250 mg twice daily) administered to healthy men aged 45–55 years resulted in increased testosterone levels and stabilized luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

Neuroprotective Effects

In addition to physical benefits, Shilajit also has neuroprotective effects that can enhance cognitive performance during prolonged training or competition.

• GABAergic System: Activation of this system helps regulate neurotransmitters.
• Dopaminergic System: Blocking interactions with the dopaminergic system supports mental well-being.

Iqubal et al., 2025 Study: Research published in Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol (Vol. 14, Issue 4) suggests that Shilajit’s strong antioxidant properties play a role in neuroprotection by regulating Bax, Bcl-3, p53 and caspase-3 expression levels.

Anti-Cancer Effects

The anti-cancer effects of Shilajit have been demonstrated through its ability to initiate or stimulate apoptosis processes.

• Fulvic Acid: One of the major active constituents responsible for anticancer effects.
• Collagen Synthesis: Enhances tissue integrity and resilience against cancerous cells.

Alqarni et al., 2025 Study: Shilajit was shown to suppress cell migration in oral cancer cells through targeting urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor, as well as chemokine signaling pathways.

Safety Profile

Despite the numerous benefits, it is important to understand that Shilajit’s safety profile is a subject of ongoing research. Mosavi et al., 2025 Study: In a triple-blind placebo-controlled trial involving women, Shilajit was well-tolerated with no adverse effects. The study demonstrated improved Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores among participants.

Future Directions

While the evidence supporting Shilajit’s use in ultra-endurance athletes is promising, further research is necessary to fully understand its long-term benefits and safety across diverse populations. Sheikh et al., 2025 Study: Further investigations into Shilajit’s efficacy and safety are warranted. For instance, a study examining the effects of Shilajit on hyperglycemia found comparable results to metformin in reducing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels.

Incorporating Shilajit into an athlete’s regimen could provide numerous health benefits. From enhanced physical performance, improved hormonal balance, neuroprotection, anti-cancer effects, and safety considerations – it’s clear why this ancient herbal-mineral compound is gaining popularity in the world of ultra-endurance sports.

For those looking to delve deeper into Shilajit’s applications, consider checking out 5 Elementum – Best Shilajit product description.