Does Shilajit Make You Grow? Scientific Truth About This 'Super Mineral' and Growth

Ecrit par Émilie

26/5/2025

Temps de lecture :

min

Numerous claims circulate on the Internet concerning the supposed miracles of Shilajit, this black resin from the Himalayan mountains. Among the most frequent questions, the question of its influence on growth comes up regularly: “Does Shilajit make you grow?” This question particularly affects growing adolescents or adults who hope to gain a few centimeters. In this article, we're going to look at the scientific underpinnings behind these claims and find out if this “super mineral” can actually influence your height.

Understanding Shilajit: Composition and Established Properties

Before analyzing its potential impact on growth, it is essential to understand what exactly Shilajit is and what its documented effects are.

What is Shilajit and what does it actually contain?

Shilajit is a resinous substance that exudes from rocks in certain mountainous regions, mainly in the Himalayas. Formed over centuries by the slow decomposition of vegetable matter, it contains:

Over 80 minerals and trace elements in ionic form
A high concentration of fulvic acid (40-60%)
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Humic acids
Vitamins and amino acids

This exceptionally rich composition explains why Shilajit has long been valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a “rasayana” (revitalizing tonic).

The scientifically validated benefits of Shilajit

Modern scientific studies have confirmed several properties of Shilajit:

Adaptogenic effect: helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress
Antioxidant properties: fights free radicals responsible for cellular aging
Energizing action: improves energy production at the mitochondrial level
Immune support: strengthens natural defences
Effects on hormonal balance: in particular on the production of testosterone in men

These properties are documented in the scientific literature, as attested by this study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Shilajit and vertical growth: what does the science say?

Now let's look at the science about the potential influence of Shilajit on height growth.

Current state of research on Shilajit and growth

At present, it does not exist no rigorous scientific studies showing a direct effect of Shilajit on increasing height in adolescents or adults. Claims that suggest that Shilajit could make you gain several inches are not supported by clinical evidence.

It is important to note several points:

Vertical growth is mainly determined by genetic factors
Bone growth usually ends between the ages of 18 and 25
There are no known supplements that can significantly change the size once the growth plates are closed.

Indirect mechanisms by which Shilajit could influence growth

Although Shilajit can't directly make you grow, some of its components could theoretically support the natural growth process in developing young people:

1. Supply of minerals essential for bone growth

Shilajit contains several minerals that are important for bone health:

Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphor
Zinc

These minerals are essential for the formation and development of bones. Adequate intake is necessary (but not sufficient) for optimal growth.

2. Possible influence on the hormonal axis

Shilajit may affect certain hormones, including:

Growth hormone (indirectly)
Thyroid hormones
Testosterone

These hormones play a role in growth and development, but their stimulation by Shilajit is not sufficiently documented to say that they could significantly influence height.

3. Improving nutrient absorption

Thanks to its high fulvic acid content, Shilajit may improve the absorption of some nutrients that are important for growth. However, this effect would only be beneficial in the case of pre-existing nutritional deficiencies.

Factors that really influence growth

To understand why Shilajit can't be considered a magic bullet for growing, it's important to look at the factors that truly determine size.

Genetic and biological determinants of height

Genetics is the predominant factor in determining your potential size:

Heredity: 60 to 80% of your adult height is determined by genes inherited from your parents
Growth plates: vertical growth stops permanently when these plaques close (usually after puberty)
Endogenous hormones: the natural functioning of your hormonal system influences your growth during childhood and adolescence

Environmental and nutritional factors

The remaining 20 to 40% are influenced by:

Balanced nutrition: adequate intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals during childhood and adolescence
Quality sleep: maximum production of growth hormone during deep sleep
Adapted physical activity: some exercises may promote optimal posture and bone health
Absence of chronic diseases: some medical conditions may hinder growth

Critical growth period

Growth is only possible during specific periods of time:

Early childhood: rapid growth period up to 2 years
Childhood: slower but steady growth
Pubertal surge: period of accelerated growth (generally between 10-14 years for girls and 12-16 years for boys)
End of growth: generally around 16-17 for girls and 18-20 for boys

Once the growth plates are closed, no supplement, including Shilajit, cannot increase size.

Myths and realities around Shilajit and growth

There are a lot of misconceptions about Shilajit and its effect on height. Let's analyze them objectively.

Origin of claims about Shilajit and growth

Claims about the effects of Shilajit on growth generally come from:

Unregulated marketing: some salespeople exaggerate the benefits to increase sales
Confusion between vertical growth and other types of development: Shilajit may support overall health, which is sometimes misinterpreted as an influence on height
Anecdotal testimonies: unverified individual stories, often from teenagers who were already growing naturally
Excessive extrapolation based on studies on other effects of Shilajit

What Shilajit can actually do for you

Although Shilajit won't make you grow, it may offer other legitimate benefits:

Support for vitality and energy
Contribution to general bone health
Potential improvement in post-exercise recovery
Immune system support
Adaptogenic effect in the face of stress

These benefits, while important for overall health, do not translate into an increase in size.

Scientifically validated approaches to optimize natural growth

If you are still growing up (as a child or adolescent), here are strategies that can help you reach your maximum growth potential.

Optimal nutrition to support growth

A balanced diet is essential:

High quality proteins: 0.8 to 1g per kg of body weight per day (lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes)
Calcium: 1000-1300mg/day (dairy products, green vegetables, almonds)
Vitamin D: 600-1000 IU/day (moderate sun exposure, fatty fish, fortified foods)
Zinc: 8-11mg/day (seafood, meat, seeds)
Vitamin K2: important for bone health (egg yolks, fermented cheeses)

Physical activities that are beneficial for growth

Some activities can promote optimal posture and bone health:

Stretching sports: swimming, basketball, volleyball
Moderate strengthening exercises: adapted to age
Regular stretching: improved posture
Avoid heavy loads: during the growth period

Importance of sleep and stress management

These factors are often overlooked but crucial:

Adequate sleep: 8-10 hours per night for teens (growth hormone is mostly secreted during deep sleep)
Stress reduction: chronic stress can interfere with growth
Regularity of lifestyle habits: supports hormonal balance

Shilajit and Growth FAQ

Can Shilajit help you grow after 18?

No, once the growth plates are closed (generally between 18 and 25 years old depending on the individual), it is no longer possible to increase its size naturally. Shilajit, like any other supplement, cannot reopen these growth plates or stimulate vertical growth once they are closed.

How long does it take to take Shilajit to see effects?

For the legitimate benefits of Shilajit (energy, vitality, immune health), the effects may start to appear after 2-4 weeks of regular use. Optimal effects are usually seen after 8-12 weeks. However, no effect on growth in size will occur regardless of the duration of use.

Are there risks in taking Shilajit to grow?

The main risk is disappointment and the waste of money if you take Shilajit specifically to grow. In addition, Shilajit is generally safe at the recommended dosages, but it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with gout (high uric acid content), or taking certain medications. Always consult a health professional before starting any supplement.

Can Shilajit help correct poor posture?

Not directly. However, by potentially improving energy and muscle strength, Shilajit could indirectly support efforts to maintain better posture. Good posture may feel 1 to 2 cm taller, but this is not a true increase in size.

Are there supplements that can actually increase height?

No, there are no scientifically proven supplements, herbs, or natural substances that can increase height once the growth plates are closed. Be wary of products that claim otherwise, as these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.

Conclusion: Shilajit and Growth — Realism and Perspectives

In light of current scientific knowledge, it is clear that Shilajit does not cause growth. Claims that suggest it could increase your height by several inches are not based on solid evidence.

However, this does not mean that Shilajit is uninteresting. Its documented properties make it an interesting supplement for vitality, energy and immune support. It can contribute to your overall well-being and, in people who are still growing, may possibly indirectly support this process by providing essential nutrients.

If you are concerned about your growth or that of your child, the best approach is to consult a health professional. A doctor will be able to assess the specific situation and recommend appropriate interventions if needed.

Remember that height is just one aspect of our body, and that good overall health, both physical and mental, is infinitely more important than an extra centimeter or two.

If you still want to benefit from the legitimate properties of Shilajit, be sure to choose a quality product from trusted sources and use it as part of a holistic approach to health, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quality sleep.