In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Mushroom Supplements?Potential BenefitsPrecautionsWhat to Look For in a Mushroom SupplementFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Mushroom Supplements?
Potential Benefits
Precautions
What to Look For in a Mushroom Supplement
FAQs
Close
Photo:Anna Martianova/Getty Images
Anna Martianova/Getty Images
Recently, mushroom supplements have soared in popularity. These supplements, derived from mushrooms like reishi, maitake and lion’s mane, are celebrated for their purported health benefits. Now, people are turning to them for a multitude of reasons, from enhancing immune health to reducing stress to better mental clarity and focus.
If you’re wondering what happens to your body when you take mushroom supplements and whether they’re safe, we have answers. So, if you could use a bit of fungal magic, read on to discover what these supplements can do for you.
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Mushroom supplements are concentrated versions of various types of medicinal mushrooms. However, these aren’t themushrooms you’ll normally find at your grocery store. Typically available in powder, capsule and tincture form, these supplements are derived from mushroom varieties like reishi, maitake and lion’s mane. And each brings its unique array of benefits to the table.
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Potential Benefits of Mushroom Supplements
The health benefits of mushroom supplements depend on the variety and dose you take. Here’s what they might do for your health.
May Help You Manage Stress
Might Support Your Immune Health
May Improve Brain Function and Mental Focus
Taking a mushroom supplement that contains lion’s mane may support cognitive health and help you focus more clearly. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain brain-enhancing bioactive compounds such as hericenones and erinacines. These have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which is crucial for brain cell growth, maintenance and survival. Because NGF is also essential for learning and memory, a lion’s mane supplement may help you focus better.
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Potential Risks and Precautions
While mushroom supplements offer numerous potential health benefits, it is essential to be aware of possible risks. First and foremost, individuals with allergies to fungi should exercise caution, as these supplements may trigger allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching or respiratory issues. Additionally, those who are pregnant, nursing or have preexisting medical conditions should consult with a health care provider before starting any new supplement to avoid adverse effects.
As helpful as these supplements may be for adults, they’re not appropriate for children. “I generally do not recommend mushroom supplements for children under 7, as their immune systems are still developing and functional mushrooms interact with immune function,” saysDanielle Ryan Dawson, RH,a registered herbalist and head of education and innovation at Four Sigmatic. She also notes that reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure and should be avoided when taking blood pressure medication.
When choosing a mushroom supplement, look for one that is free of fillers, additives and unnecessary binders. These can dilute the supplement’s effectiveness and potentially cause unwanted side effects.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMushroom supplements contain bioactive substances that are believed to offer a range of health benefits, including stress relief and better immune health, cognitive function and mental clarity.The effects of mushroom supplements can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of mushroom.For most people, taking mushroom supplements daily is considered safe when consumed in recommended dosages. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with your health care provider if you have an underlying health condition.Mushroom supplements are safe for many, but not all, people. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or mushroom allergies, should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on immunosuppressive medications should consult their health care provider before using mushroom supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mushroom supplements contain bioactive substances that are believed to offer a range of health benefits, including stress relief and better immune health, cognitive function and mental clarity.
The effects of mushroom supplements can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of mushroom.
For most people, taking mushroom supplements daily is considered safe when consumed in recommended dosages. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with your health care provider if you have an underlying health condition.
Mushroom supplements are safe for many, but not all, people. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or mushroom allergies, should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people on immunosuppressive medications should consult their health care provider before using mushroom supplements.
The Bottom Line
Mushroom supplements can be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine, offering a variety of health advantages such as stress relief and enhanced immune function, cognitive performance and mental clarity. However, it is crucial to use them responsibly and adhere to recommended dosages. Of course, it’s always a good idea to speak with your health care provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re living with an underlying health condition. While not everyone may experience the same benefits, incorporating mushroom supplements into a balanced and healthy lifestyle can be a natural way for many people to enhance their well-being.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Galappaththi MCA, Patabendige NM, Premarathne BM, et al.A review ofGanodermatriterpenoids and their bioactivities.Biomolecules. 2022;13(1):24. doi: 10.3390/biom13010024.Ekiz E, Oz E, Abd El-Aty AM, Proestos C, et al.Exploring the potential medicinal benefits ofGanoderma lucidum: From metabolic disorders to coronavirus infections.Foods. 2023;12(7):1512. doi: 10.3390/foods12071512.Mirończuk-Chodakowska I, Kujawowicz K, Witkowska AM.Beta-glucans from fungi: Biological and health-promoting potential in the COVID-19 pandemic era.Nutrients. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):3960. doi: 10.3390/nu13113960.Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF.The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive Function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study.Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Galappaththi MCA, Patabendige NM, Premarathne BM, et al.A review ofGanodermatriterpenoids and their bioactivities.Biomolecules. 2022;13(1):24. doi: 10.3390/biom13010024.Ekiz E, Oz E, Abd El-Aty AM, Proestos C, et al.Exploring the potential medicinal benefits ofGanoderma lucidum: From metabolic disorders to coronavirus infections.Foods. 2023;12(7):1512. doi: 10.3390/foods12071512.Mirończuk-Chodakowska I, Kujawowicz K, Witkowska AM.Beta-glucans from fungi: Biological and health-promoting potential in the COVID-19 pandemic era.Nutrients. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):3960. doi: 10.3390/nu13113960.Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF.The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive Function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study.Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Galappaththi MCA, Patabendige NM, Premarathne BM, et al.A review ofGanodermatriterpenoids and their bioactivities.Biomolecules. 2022;13(1):24. doi: 10.3390/biom13010024.Ekiz E, Oz E, Abd El-Aty AM, Proestos C, et al.Exploring the potential medicinal benefits ofGanoderma lucidum: From metabolic disorders to coronavirus infections.Foods. 2023;12(7):1512. doi: 10.3390/foods12071512.Mirończuk-Chodakowska I, Kujawowicz K, Witkowska AM.Beta-glucans from fungi: Biological and health-promoting potential in the COVID-19 pandemic era.Nutrients. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):3960. doi: 10.3390/nu13113960.Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF.The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive Function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study.Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842.
Galappaththi MCA, Patabendige NM, Premarathne BM, et al.A review ofGanodermatriterpenoids and their bioactivities.Biomolecules. 2022;13(1):24. doi: 10.3390/biom13010024.
Ekiz E, Oz E, Abd El-Aty AM, Proestos C, et al.Exploring the potential medicinal benefits ofGanoderma lucidum: From metabolic disorders to coronavirus infections.Foods. 2023;12(7):1512. doi: 10.3390/foods12071512.
Mirończuk-Chodakowska I, Kujawowicz K, Witkowska AM.Beta-glucans from fungi: Biological and health-promoting potential in the COVID-19 pandemic era.Nutrients. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):3960. doi: 10.3390/nu13113960.
Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF.The acute and chronic effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive Function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study.Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842.
