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Over the last couple of years mushroom supplements have become increasingly popular, unfortunately there's a whole lot of misunderstanding around mushroom supplements.
At their best, they are potentially a great option for everything from relieving brain fog, boosting focus, improving immune function, and even for stress relief. But, that's only if they're standardized for the right compounds. And we're not just looking for beta glucans, which is something you'll hear quite a lot about when it comes to mushroom supplements. We're also going to be looking for unique compounds like cordycepin from the cordyceps mushroom or hericenones and erinacines from lion's mane mushroom.
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Unfortunately, some mushroom supplements simply don't have enough of the effective compounds or only focus on standardizing for beta glucans, which are common amongst most mushroom species.
Read on for a list of mushroom supplements that are more likely to do what they promise.
Our Top Picks For The Best Mushroom Supplements
Elm & Rye - Best Mushroom Powder
Nootrum Capsules - Best Mushroom Capsules
Mushgooms - Best Mushroom Gummy
Balance Coffee - Best Tasting Mushroom Coffee
Om Master Blend - Best Budget Option
Nootrum Powder - Best Mushroom Powder
FreshCap Ultimate Mushroom Complex - Runner Up Mushroom Complex
Ryze - Best Mushroom Matcha
MUD/WTR - Best Mushroom Cocao
Naturelo - Best Budget Capsule
The Benefits of Mushroom Supplements
Mushroom supplements have gained popularity due to their potential health benefits. These natural remedies promise a range of advantages, from enhancing cognitive function to boosting the immune system and increasing energy levels.
Cognitive Enhancement
Mushroom supplements, particularly those containing Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), have shown promising results in improving cognitive function. Studies reportedly show that Lion's Mane contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which may stimulate the growth of brain cells. These compounds may have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier easily, possibly promoting nerve growth factor synthesis and secretion.
Research reportedly suggests that Lion's Mane may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain condition causing progressive memory loss. One study reportedly suggested that daily supplementation with 1 gram of Lion's Mane mushroom for 49 weeks might have improved cognitive tests scores compared to placebo.
Animal studies reportedly suggest that Lion's Mane extract might help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses.
Immune System Support
Mushroom supplements may potentially support and enhance the immune system. Animal research suggests that certain mushroom extracts, such as Lion's Mane, may boost immunity by potentially increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system. This effect might help protect the body from germs.
The immune-boosting effects of mushroom supplements may be partly due to beneficial changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system. One study reportedly suggested that daily supplementation with Lion's Mane extract might have nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a high dose of salmonella bacteria, highlighting its potential in strengthening the immune response.
Some mushroom supplements, like those containing a blend of various species, are specifically designed to support a healthy and balanced immune response. For instance, supplements containing Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Maitake, Royal Sun Blazei, and Mesima claim to offer comprehensive immune support. Some customers have reported improvements in their overall health and defenses against common illnesses like colds and flu after using these mushroom blends.
Energy Boost
Mushroom supplements have shown promise in increasing energy levels and combating fatigue. Cordyceps, in particular, has been researched for its energy-boosting properties. Some research suggests that the compound cordycepin, found in Cordyceps mushrooms, is structurally similar to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source of our cells. This similarity may allow the body to use cordycepin like ATP, potentially stimulating energy at the cellular level.
Cordyceps supplements claim to support circulation and lung function, which may contribute to increased energy levels and improved athletic performance. One study testing the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on exercise capacity in healthy older adults suggested that 7% of the Cordyceps group might have experienced increased fitness levels in 6 weeks.
Other mushroom varieties, such as Shiitake, are rich in B vitamins, which are essential for the body to convert food into energy. Reishi mushrooms, known for their adaptogenic properties, may help regulate cortisol levels, potentially supporting healthy energy balance.
In conclusion, mushroom supplements may offer a wide array of benefits, from potentially enhancing cognitive function and supporting the immune system to boosting energy levels. As research continues to uncover the potential of these fascinating fungi, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking natural ways to improve their overall health and well-being.
Top 10 Best Mushroom Supplements for 2024
Elm & Rye Mushroom Complex offers versatility with its three forms: capsules, gummies, and coffee creamer. The capsules are definitely the best of the three though. And Elm & Rye tends to offer solid high quality products across the board.
And the coffee creamer is a great product, as well as being unique. Works well with coffee and is a favorite mushroom product for the office. Elm & Rye’s various mushroom products contain good doses of lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi and all the big hitters in the mushroom supplement space.
Available on a subscription basis with discounts, this supplement contains a selection of mushrooms that claim to support brain health, cardiovascular system, nerve cells, immune cells, and energy levels.
2. Nootrum Mushrooms
Nootrum Mushrooms have taken the medicinal mushrooms market by storm since their release in 2023 and that's for good reason. They simply offer a better product than anyone close to their price point. They offer the most potent dose possible, using extracts standardized for the specific micro compounds that give each mushroom its unique effects.
With Nootrum, you get more than just beta glucans, including cordycepin to potentially boost energy, and hericenones and erinacines from lion's mane mushroom for brain boosting.
They come with a money back guarantee, a host of 5 star ratings and their bulk buy deals can get them down to about $30 a bottle, meaning they're pretty solid value too.
Nootrum claims to provide a wide range of mental and physical health benefits, including improved brain health, memory, cognitive function, and energy levels. And it claims to support immune function, heart health, and helps combat free radicals. In short, the high potency of Nootrum Mushrooms, combined with its fair price tag, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive mushroom supplement.
3. MushGooms Gummies
MushGooms Gummies offer a tasty alternative for those who prefer not to take pills or capsules. These gummies do contain a bit less of the active ingredients than you can get into a capsule or a powder. But, they are very fairly priced at under $30, and they've done about as much as is possible with a gummy supplement.
These vegan-friendly, GMO-free raspberry gummies contain the same ten medicinal mushrooms as Nootrum Mushrooms, but with 10:1 extracts instead of 20:1. While less potent, they still claim to provide benefits such as improved energy levels, mental clarity, immune health, and cognitive functions. So, if you are someone who struggles with capsules, then this could be the way to go.
4. Balance Coffee
Balance Coffee, combines dark roast mexican coffee with lion's mane mushrooms. This mushroom coffee offers a delicious alternative to regular morning coffee while claiming to provide benefits such as improved immune health, cognitive function, focus, and energy levels.
Its sweet, chocolaty flavor and reasonable price make it an appealing option for those looking to incorporate mushrooms into their daily routine. Especially if you're already a coffee drinker. It also may come with less of a caffeine crash, thanks to the lion's mane mushroom, so double win on this front.
5. OM Mushrooms Master Blend
OM Mushrooms Master Blend comes in powder form, meaning you can get a lot of mushrooms in one serving. However, they don't use particularly high potency extracts. This is a suitable option for those who prefer not to take pills or capsules.
This gluten-free, organic, kosher, vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly product combines various mushrooms with the adaptogen ashwagandha. It claims to boost energy levels, vitality, immune function, mental clarity, brain and gut health, and may help manage stress.
6. FreshCap Ultimate Mushroom Complex
FreshCap Ultimate Mushroom Complex is a paleo and vegan-friendly supplement made from six mushrooms. Each serving is standardized to contain 29% beta-glucans. Users have reported noticeable improvements in energy and focus, with the powder being easy to mix into smoothies or coffee.
7. Ryze
Ryze mushroom coffee combines coffee with a blend of cordyceps, reishi, king trumpet, shiitake, lion's mane, and turkey tail mushrooms. This product claims to provide the benefits of coffee with added mushroom-based health advantages, including improved focus and energy without the jitters associated with regular coffee. It's one of the most popular products on the market, especially when it comes to mushroom coffees. Reviewers say it tastes pretty good too.
8. Mud/WTR
Mud/WTR offers a unique coffee alternative with its Rise blend, which includes cacao, spices, tea, and a variety of powdered mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane. MUD/WTR is on the more expensive side, and it doesn't have the most variety of mushroom species, but what's in here is well dosed. The taste isn't going to be for everyone though, as the mushroom extract does make up the majority of the flavor profile.
While lower in caffeine than regular coffee, Mud/WTR claims to provide natural energy, focus, and immune support through its blend of ayurvedic herbs and adaptogens.
9. NATURELO
NATURELO's mushroom supplement features a blend of three well-researched functional mushrooms: lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail. Considering it comes in at $26 for a single bottle and it does cover 3 solid mushroom supplements, it’s a pretty good deal.
And the organic extracts are derived from fruiting bodies, providing a high-quality supplement option for those seeking targeted mushroom benefits.
How to Choose the Right Mushroom Supplement
Consider Your Health Goals
When selecting a mushroom supplement, the first step is to understand the different types of mushrooms and their specific health benefits. Each mushroom variety offers unique properties that can support various aspects of wellness. By aligning the supplement with personal health objectives, consumers can make an informed choice that complements their wellness journey.
For instance, some mushrooms are known for their cognitive-enhancing properties, while others may focus on immune support or energy boosting. Knowing the effects of each mushroom type helps in selecting a supplement that aligns with specific health goals. This approach ensures that the chosen supplement contributes effectively to the individual's overall well-being.
Check the Ingredients
When examining mushroom supplements, it's crucial to pay attention to the source and quality of ingredients. One thing people often look at is whether the supplement uses the fruiting body or mycelium of the mushroom. The fruiting body, which grows above ground, is generally considered more potent and beneficial. However, that's not always a good idea.
A lot of people look for a simple solution, with a lot of talk about beta glucans or fruiting bodies vs mycelium. And unfortunately that's not actually a cut and dry way to tell if something is good or not. For example, mycelium is generally considered worse, but in the case of lion's mane mushrooms, one of the two compounds that may have an effect on brain power, comes from the mycelium, not the fruit.
So what you’re actually looking for in the best mushroom supplement are standardized extracts.
The extraction method used to obtain the beneficial compounds from mushrooms is another important consideration. Some manufacturers use water extraction, while others employ alcohol-based methods. The most effective supplements often utilize a combination of both techniques to extract a full spectrum of beneficial compounds.
It's also essential to check for the presence of key active ingredients, such as beta-glucans, cordycepin, etc. Labels should clearly state the presence and concentration of these important components.
Consumers should be wary of supplements containing high levels of starch or other fillers. A quality mushroom supplement should contain no more than 5% starch in its recipe.
Additionally, it's advisable to avoid products labeled as "mycelium" without specifying the presence of fruiting bodies or some form of standardization, as these may lack the full range of beneficial compounds.
Look for Quality and Purity
Quality and purity are paramount when choosing a mushroom supplement. Look for products that have undergone rigorous testing and certification processes. Certifications such as USDA Organic and Non-GMO are strong indicators of a supplement's quality and the absence of harmful chemicals or genetically modified organisms in its production.
Third-party testing is another factor to consider. This independent verification ensures that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from contaminants such as heavy metals or harmful microorganisms. Reputable manufacturers often make these test results readily available to consumers.
When evaluating a mushroom supplement, it's important to review lab reports that detail the active ingredient testing. These reports should be easily accessible and transparent, breaking down every aspect of the test. Be cautious of suppliers who do not provide lab reports or require customers to request them separately.
Organic certification is particularly important for mushroom supplements. Since mushrooms absorb substances from their environment, organic cultivation can reduce the risk that the final product contains unwanted toxins and contaminants. Look for supplements that are certified organic by recognized programs such as the EU and USDA Organic Certification.
Lastly, consider the origin of the mushrooms used in the supplement. Some manufacturers source their mushrooms from specific farms around the world known for their expertise in cultivating particular mushroom varieties. This specialized approach can contribute to the overall quality and efficacy of the supplement.
By carefully considering health goals, checking ingredients, and prioritizing quality and purity, consumers can make an informed decision when choosing a mushroom supplement that best suits their needs and supports their overall health and wellness journey.
The Science Behind Mushroom Supplements
Beta-Glucans
Mushroom supplements have gained significant attention due to their unique compounds, particularly beta-glucans. These polysaccharides are the most common type found in mushroom cell walls and are reportedly composed of long-chain glucose subunits with β-1,3 and β-1,6 linkages. Beta-glucans are classified as Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs), which means they may be able to modulate immune system responses.
The effectiveness of beta-glucans varies among mushroom species, depending on factors such as shape, complexity, solubility, size, and extraction method. One theory is that when ingested, beta-glucans may be absorbed in the intestines and are thought to bind to fungal receptors on immune cells, which break them down into smaller polysaccharides. These smaller components then are thought to move to the spleen, bone marrow, and lymph tissues, where they may potentially enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and other immune system cells.
Some claims of the potential effects of beta-glucans include:
1. Immune regulation: They may activate white blood cells, such as macrophages, granulocytes, and monocytes, which are responsible for defending against infections and supporting tissue repair.
2. Gut health: Beta-glucans may act as prebiotics, potentially influencing the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving biomarkers related to gut microbiota.
3. Infection prevention: Some studies suggest that consuming 2 grams of beta-glucans might help prevent post-surgical infections.
4. Cholesterol and blood sugar regulation: The soluble and insoluble fiber provided by beta-glucans may help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Antioxidants
Mushrooms are rich sources of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant compounds found in mushrooms include phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, tocopherols, ergothioneine, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are active ingredients found in certain plants and mushrooms that may impact how the body deals with stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Some common adaptogenic mushrooms include: Cordyceps mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and reishi mushrooms.
Adaptogens primarily work by influencing the HPA axis and other key mediators of the stress response. By doing so, they may enhance resistance to stress and may promote recovery and homeostasis in the body.
Best Mushroom Supplement FAQs
1. What is the top mushroom supplement currently available?
Nootrum Mushrooms is recognized as the best overall mushroom extract supplement. It contains 20:1 extracts from ten of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms, providing optimal doses for potential health benefits. They include maitake mushrooms, organic reishi mushrooms, lion's mane mushrooms, royal sun agaricus mushrooms, cordyceps mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms, chaga mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms.
2. Which mushroom is renowned for enhancing longevity?
The Reishi mushroom, often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” is highly esteemed, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, for its longevity-enhancing properties. It is considered one of the superior herbs that potentially help support a long life, promote healthy aging, enhance qi, and lighten the body.
3. What should I look for when selecting a mushroom supplement?
When choosing a mushroom supplement, check the label for comprehensive details about its contents. This includes the types of mushrooms used, whether the product uses the fruiting body or the mycelium, the processing method, and the presence of key ingredients like beta-glucans that enhance the supplement's effectiveness.
4. How long does it typically take for mushroom supplements to show results?
The effects of medicinal mushrooms are not immediate and require some patience. It generally takes at least two weeks to start noticing the benefits of functional mushrooms. Diverse mushroom supplements may take longer depending on which health benefits you're looking at.
