A DOCTOR has cautioned new moms about a supplement that is trending on TikTok but can pose a danger to babies. The popular product might be getting a lot of attention, but she is warning about the risks associated with the buy when breastfeeding. 2 A doctor is warning new moms to stay away from a supplement that is trending on social media (stock image) Credit: Getty SUPPLEMENTAL RISKS While influencers are praising the product, Dr Masarat Jilani, a resident doctor at Jude , a bladder care company, explained some of the side effects that can occur when consuming Shilajit.
She is especially concerned about a TikTok trend where Shilajit is being marketed as a postpartum nutritional supplement under the hashtag "postpartum nutrition." “The danger with Shilajit is the unregulated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic and lead," she said. "If the product you are using has not been properly purified, you may be consuming far more of these than is safe," she added.
She shared how the supplement can be especially bad for baby. "Heavy metals such as lead can be passed from mother to baby via breast milk, and infants are particularly at risk of heavy metal toxicity," she said. "If you are breastfeeding, you should not be consuming Shilajit without medical advice from your doctor as it could put your infant at risk," she added.
She explained how your kidneys can also face damage from the supplement as they are responsible for filtering these toxins out of your blood. Most read in Lifestyle 'SLEEP PEACEFULLY' BGT star who performed alongside David Walliams dies aged 51 MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos CAST AWAY Shutters down as Rangers kit makers suddenly CLOSE flagship Scottish store FRENCH CONNECTION Celtic 'make offer for Lyon star' who came through PSG academy The accumulation of these metals, especially lead and cadmium, can cause damage to the renal cells. This impairs kidney function and can even lead to chronic kidney disease.
Those with any pre-existing kidney conditions should consult with their doctor to ensure that the supplement does not contain any toxic metals or impurities. I’ve just stopped breastfeeding my 6-year-old - trolls say it’s gross, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it WHAT IS SHILAJIT Shilajit is a naturally occurring substance similar to tar, that is known to come out of the Himalayan caves. It's also nothing new - Shilajit has been used as a common folk medicine for thousands of years in India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Nepal.
Sanskrit texts even reference it as a "powerful remedy." It might be known to increase energy, as well as cognitive function, and even enhance your libido, but when prepared incorrectly, it can release high levels of toxic substances. This includes lead, mercury, and even arsenic, which can lead to heavy metal poisoning and damage to your kidneys and other organs.
TRENDING ON TIKTOK One woman, whose video has garnered almost half a million likes on TikTok, says she loves how the supplement replenished the minerals she lost during her pregnancy. Another new mom whose video went viral shared how she swears by the supplement she adds to her tea to help restore nutrients to her body that is still healing after having a baby. Read more on the Scottish Sun MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos MURRAY MAKEOVER Andy Murray hit with fresh warning over renovations at luxury Cromlix hotel She also uses it to help with her breastfeeding.
The product is readily available, including on Amazon, with buys including Vita Guard's Organic Himalayan Shilajit , for $22.99. 2 Amazon sells a Shilajit supplement by Vita Guard for $22.
99, pictured above, but she shared how new moms shouldn't take the buy without consulting their doctor Credit: Amazon / Vita Guard.
