The Lost Nutrients in North American Shilajit

Have you ever heard of an ancient wonder called shilajit? Traditionally sourced from the Himalayas, this mineral-rich substance has been revered for centuries and is now one of the most googled supplements due to its research-proven impact on brain health¹, bone regeneration², skin health³, aging⁴, inflammation⁵, immunity⁶, mood⁷, cellular energy⁸, and more.

One of the rarest and most potent forms of shilajit can be found in North America. Specifically, in the southeastern region, a 100-million-year-old prehistoric deposit of shilajit was discovered several years ago, and research and field trials show it contains some of the highest levels of the substances responsible for shilajit’s health benefits.

So what makes North American shilajit so special, and why should it matter? Its unique qualities are making it a favourite among health enthusiasts.

Shilajit: A Nutrient Miracle

Shilajit is the final breakdown material from plants that existed millions of years ago. As ancient rainforests decomposed, geological forces working with soil-based organisms (the probiotics of the plant kingdom) transformed the plant matter into a nutrient-dense substance. This process creates rare and powerful nutrients, including humic and fulvic acids, organically bound trace minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and numerous other bioactive compounds. These nutrients support overall health, including energy production, detoxification, and cellular function.

What sets North American shilajit apart from its Himalayan counterpart is not just location, but the conditions in which it forms. The southeastern region of North America, home to this shilajit, is the remains of a prehistoric rainforest reserve. This environment, dating back 100 million years, provides a more diverse range of plant matter than newer formations found in the Himalayas. As a result, North American shilajit contains a richer concentration of active components, especially fulvic acid, making it the most potent form available.

Not All Shilajit Is Created Equal

Due to its ancient origin, North American shilajit contains the widest variety of organic material and minerals. Each of its 77 trace minerals is bound to organic molecules within decomposed plant cells, meaning every mineral is instantly recognised as a natural food source and easily absorbed into cells. Plant-based organically bound trace minerals are highly bioavailable, safe, and capable of supporting various bodily functions, from enhancing energy levels to supporting bone health and promoting healthier skin. Studies show that organic trace minerals such as copper, manganese, and zinc are not only better absorbed, but they are retained longer and are not excreted as fast⁹.

The primary active nutrient in shilajit is fulvic acid¹⁰. Fulvic acid is a micro-nano molecule small enough to penetrate cell membranes, even entering the mitochondria (the cell’s energy-producing centres)¹¹. This makes it a key component in promoting cellular energy production and supporting healthy biological aging (i.e., anti-aging)¹². Its unique structure also improves the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients¹³.

Most Himalayan shilajit contains 40–50% of this vital compound, while North American shilajit contains approximately 70% fulvic acid, 20–30% higher than most other forms, making it one of the most potent sources available¹⁴.

North American shilajit is also rich in humic acid¹⁵, which binds to toxins and helps eliminate them from the body, promoting healthy detoxification and better cellular health. Together, humic and fulvic acids create a powerful synergy that supports overall health in ways most other supplements cannot.

Introducing LeafSource^® Shilajit – A Better Option

LeafSource^® pioneered shilajit excavation over 20 years ago and was the first to introduce this nutrient complex to the health industry. This rare shilajit is derived from a privately owned reserve in southeastern North America.

Three Reasons to Choose LeafSource^® Shilajit

1. Purity & Consistency – LeafSource^® Shilajit is 100% water-extracted, with no chemicals involved. It comes from a single, privately owned source, proven over 20 years, ensuring consistent benefits.
2. Third-Party Tested – Each batch is 3rd-party tested and verified to be free from heavy metals, microbes, and contaminants, which can be a concern in products sourced from India or China.
3. Nutrient Levels – This ancient rainforest deposit contains a rich profile of 77 organically bound trace minerals, nine vitamins, 17 amino acids, and bioactive compounds, including 70% fulvic acid, 30% humic acid, and Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), rare antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and support energy levels and overall vitality.

Trusting the Source

The source of a supplement matters. Many companies claim their products are superior, but marketing often outweighs proof. North American shilajit stands out due to rigorous testing for purity and efficacy. Its formation conditions, extraction process, and testing protocols ensure a product with genuine benefits.

Written by Brad King, MS, MFS

References
¹ Ramya, B., et al. (2024). Ameliorative effect of Withania somnifera and shilajit on brain lesions and behaviour of hypothyroid rats. Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology, 48(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.5958/0973-970x.2024.00005.1
² Kangari, P., et al. (2022). Accelerating effect of shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-022-03305-z
³ Das, A., et al. (2019). Skin transcriptome of middle-aged women supplemented with natural herbo-mineral shilajit shows induction of microvascular and extracellular matrix mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(6), 526–536. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088
⁴ Ojha, S., et al. (2021). Shilajit: an elixir of Ayurveda—A literary review of traditional usage and modern findings. International Journal of Applied Research, 7(8), 888–892. doi:10.22271/allresearch.2021.v7.i8e.8883
⁵ Yaqoob, Z., et al. (2023). Characterization and medicinal applications of Karakoram shilajit; angiogenesis activity, antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity. Materials Research Express, 10(10), 105403. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad04bd
⁶ Sheikh, A. (2023). Comprehensive evaluation of the clinical efficacy of an anti-diabetic polyherbal formulation. Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology, 11(10), 1905–1916. doi:10.24925/turjaf.v11i10.1905-1916.6212
⁷ Mishra, T., et al. (2019). Shilajit (mumie): current status of biochemical, therapeutic and clinical advances. Current Nutrition & Food Science, 15(2), 104–120. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573401313666170823160217
⁸ Carrasco-Gallardo, C., & Rojas, C. (2012). Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012, Article ID 674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142
⁹ Qiu, J., et al. (2020). Low-dose organic trace minerals reduced fecal mineral excretion without compromising performance of laying hens. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 33(4), 588–596. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.19.0270
¹⁰ Stohs, S. J. (2013). Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 475–479. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5018
¹¹ Shakibaei, M., Weng, A., & M. A. (2015). The role of fulvic acid in the modulation of mitochondrial function and its potential therapeutic applications. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(3), 251–258. doi:10.1089/jmf.2014.0030
¹² Ghosh, S., & Saha, S. (2016). Fulvic acid as a bioactive substance: A review. Journal of Environmental Biology, 37(4), 675–682. doi:10.22438/jeb/37/4/MRN-1133
¹³ Bhat, R., & Bhat, S. (2019). Role of fulvic acid in nutrient absorption and bioavailability. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 70(5), 589–596. doi:10.1080/09637486.2019.1570516
¹⁴ Zhang, Y., & Chen, Y. (2020). Humic acid and its role in detoxification: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 392, 122254. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122254

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