A supplement marketed online as beneficial for new mothers may contain harmful levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury if taken in sufficient quantities.

New mothers are being cautioned about a growing post-pregnancy trend that could pose serious health risks to both them and their babies. Shilajit resin, an exotic supplement promoted by wellness influencers on social media, is being marketed to postpartum women.

Harvested from caves in Asian mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Shilajit can contain dangerous levels of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, which could potentially harm mother and child.

Shilajit is a naturally occurring, sticky black or brown substance that seeps from the rocks of high mountain caves. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia and is even mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts as a potent healing remedy.

Supporters of Shilajit claim it can boost energy, enhance cognitive function and improve libido. However, when not properly prepared, Shilajit can contain harmful levels of heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic, which may lead to heavy metal poisoning and cause damage to the kidneys and other vital organs.

Masarat Jilani, resident doctor for the bladder care company Jude, said: “The danger with Shilajit is the unregulated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic and lead. If the product you are using has not been properly purified, you may be consuming far more of these than is safe.

"Your kidneys are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity as it's their job to filter these toxins out of your blood. Over time, the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium can cause damage to the renal cells, impairing kidney function and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.

"One of the most concerning aspects of Shilajit becoming a trend is the fact that it is being marketed as a postpartum nutritional supplement under the hashtag #postpartumnutrition. 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. If you are breastfeeding, you should not be consuming Shilajit without medical advice from your doctor as it could put your infant at risk.”