Summary: Shilajit is a powerful natural tonic, but its quality varies. The main risk on the market? Poorly purified or adulterated products that may contain heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium). The solution: choose a brand that performs independent laboratory analyses (e.g., ICP-MS), issues a COA (Certificate of Analysis) per batch, and guarantees the absence of contaminants.
What are heavy metals and why should we care?
Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, etc.) are elements naturally present in the environment. In excess, they can accumulate in the body and pose health risks (nervous system, kidneys, liver). In supplements, the objective is simple: minimize exposure by selecting controlled and pure products.
Why might shilajit be affected?
- Geological origin: Shilajit comes from mountainous areas rich in minerals. Without careful purification, unwanted traces may persist.
- Market adulteration: some products are cut (sugars, tars, fillers) or poorly processed, increasing the risk of contaminants.
- Lack of controls: no tests = no visibility on purity .
The modern standard: laboratory analyses (ICP-MS)
To ensure safe shilajit, the reference method includes ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) testing on each batch. This test detects heavy metals at very low levels ( parts per million , ppm, or parts per billion , ppb).
Good customer advice: ask for the COA of your batch (batch number on the label) and check:
- Analysis method mentioned (ideally ICP-MS).
- List of elements tested (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium at least).
- Clear numerical results (e.g. âNDâ for not detected or very low values), with units (ppm/ppb) and analysis date .
- Independent laboratory identified (name, contact details).
Quality checklist: how to recognize a good shilajit
- Transparency: Public COA or available on request, by lot number .
- Traceability: clear geographical origin + controlled purification chain.
- Purity: resin that dissolves completely in hot water, without sandy deposits.
- Compliance: results aligned with strict internal thresholds (ânot detectedâ or ultra-low for Pb, Hg, As, Cd).
- Packaging: airtight jar, batch & best before date indicated, clear instructions for use.
Our approach at Omara.bio
We favor premium resin quality, from controlled areas, with rigorous purification and independent laboratory analyses (e.g. ICP-MS) on each batch. Our policy:
- Systematic tests on heavy metals (Pb, Hg, As, Cd), microbiology and contaminants.
- Batch COA available: See sample COA
- Internal thresholds stricter than the internal standard we impose on ourselves ( ultra-low tolerance or ND).
- Traceability of origin and purification, for reproducible quality.
How to Read a COA (Certificate of Analysis) in 60 Seconds
- Check the batch: the number on the COA must match your jar.
- Look at the date: recent analyses preferred.
- Check the units: ppm/ppb, and the method (ICP-MS).
- Interpret: âNDâ = not detected; otherwise, very low values âârequire context (method, uncertainty, internal threshold).
- Laboratory: independent third party, clearly identified.
Good usage practices
- Follow the dose indicated on the product (often 300â500 mg/day).
- Favor regular intake rather than a large one-off dose.
- Avoid if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or in case of illness without medical advice.
- Seek advice if you are taking medication .
FAQ
Does shilajit naturally contain heavy metals?
Shilajit comes from mineral areas and may contain traces if not purified properly. Therefore, it is essential to choose a product that has been tested by an independent laboratory (e.g., ICP-MS) and comes with a COA per batch.
Which metals are most monitored?
The most common ones to be checked are lead (Pb) , mercury (Hg) , arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) . The COA must list these elements with numerical results and the analysis method.
What does âNDâ mean on a COA?
âNDâ means not detected at the detection limit of the method used. This indicates that, if a metal is present, it is at a level below the detection capability of the test.
How can I be sure that the COA is reliable?
Check the lab name , date , method (ideally ICP-MS), lot number and signature . A reputable COA specifies the units (ppm/ppb) and the detection limit.
Does Omara.bio publish the analysis results?
Yes, we provide a batch COA upon request or via our website. You can verify the batch conformity indicated on your container and view the detailed results.