The Best Mushroom Supplements of 2023 - Top 7 Products

Introduction to Mushroom Supplements

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. More recently, mushroom extracts have become popular dietary supplements in Western markets for their potential health benefits.

Mushroom supplements contain concentrated extracts of the fruiting bodies and mycelium of certain mushroom species. These extracts provide high doses of the bioactive compounds found in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, peptides, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

Some of the most popular mushroom supplements on the market contain extracts from species like:

• Reishi
• Turkey tail
• Shiitake
• Maitake
• Cordyceps
• Lion's mane

In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze the research behind mushroom supplements, their proposed benefits, safety considerations, and provide recommendations on the best mushroom supplement options currently available.

Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Supplements

Mushroom extracts are theorized to offer a number of science-backed benefits:

May Support Immune Function

Compounds like polysaccharides, terpenoids, and lectins found in medicinal mushrooms may help modulate immune system function. Some research shows supplemented mushroom extracts could enhance the activity of immune cells and proteins.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases. Bioactive mushroom compounds are shown to have natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammatory markers.

Antioxidant Protection

Oxidative stress contributes to accelerated aging and disease development. Certain mushrooms contain compounds with potent antioxidant capabilities to help the body reduce free radical damage.

May Support Heart Health

Through their proposed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing functions, mushroom supplements may aid cardiovascular health. Some extracts specifically show positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Anti-Cancer Potential

Medicinal mushrooms contain unique complex sugars, proteins, and other molecules that exhibit possible anti-tumor capabilities. More research is still needed, but certain mushrooms show cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

Neuroprotective Attributes

Nerve growth factors and antioxidants in mushrooms may help reduce neurodegeneration. Some extracts, like lion's mane mushroom, demonstrate particular brain and nerve boosting abilities in research.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Studies link mushroom supplementation with enhancing insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control. Extracts may also help mitigate kidney damage associated with diabetes.

Gut Health Support

Prebiotics in mushrooms feed healthy gut bacteria. Other anti-inflammatory mushroom compounds help reduce intestinal permeability and stomach ulcer risk. Overall, mushrooms promote optimal digestive function.

Liver Protection & Detoxification

The liver filters toxins and produces important nutrients. Mushroom extracts show hepatoprotective effects from damage and aid natural detoxification enzyme production in liver cells.

Antimicrobial Properties

Compounds in certain mushrooms demonstrate global antimicrobial properties against bacterial, fungal, and viral organisms. Supplements may enhance infection-fighting abilities throughout the body.

Are Mushroom Supplements Safe?

For most healthy adults, high-quality mushroom extract supplements are considered safe when used appropriately. However, the following precautions should be noted:

• Consult your doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medicines. Mushroom compounds can impact hormone levels and interfere with medication effectiveness.
• Discontinue use if any signs of intestinal distress, rash, dizziness, or nausea occur.
• Drink enough water when taking mushrooms supplements to stay well hydrated.
• Look for certified organic mushroom extracts to ensure purity and reduce chemical contamination.
• Follow dosing guidelines on supplement labels.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

When used properly, most healthy people do not experience side effects from mushroom extract supplementation. However, some digestive upset, bloating, and nausea may occur.

Mushroom extracts also have the remote chance of interacting with immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. Speak to your doctor before starting any mushroom supplement with preexisting health conditions or prescription medicines.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution as well until more definitive safety research is performed among these populations.

How to Choose High Quality Mushroom Supplements

In the mushroom supplement market, quality, purity, and potency can vary widely amongst products. Use the following criteria when evaluating choices:

Organic Dual-Extracts

Look for USDA certified organic mushrooms extracted from both the fruiting body and mycelium. This ensures clean ingredients as well as higher concentrations of beneficial nutrients.

Extraction Method

Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for preserving delicate compounds in medicinal mushrooms without using harsh chemical solvents.

Lab-Tested Purity

Reputable supplement brands batch test products at independent, 3rd party labs to certify purity and rule out contamination.

Species and Source Origin

Medicinal or gourmet grade mushroom varieties harvested from their indigenous environments typically offer superior nutritional quality.

Added Bioactive Ingredients

Some formulas add complementary herbs and adaptogens like astragalus, cordyceps, turmeric, ginseng, etc. to enhance benefits.

Company Reputation & Customer Reviews

Purchase mushroom supplements from established nutraceutical companies with excellent consumer feedback and ratings.

The 7 Best Mushroom Supplements of 2023

Based on the selection methodology above, the following mushroom supplements offer exceptional quality and overall value:

1. Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders

Real Mushrooms is a highly reputable, organically certified mushroom brand. Their 5 Defenders extract blend combines reishi, shiitake, maitake, turkey tail, and chaga mushrooms to support total body wellness.

2. Om Certified Organic Mushroom Nutrition

This doctor formulated mushroom complex packs 10 traditional species into one capsule, with additions like ginger, turmeric, black pepper for further benefit enhancement.

3. Pure Mountain Botanicals Chaga Extract

Sustainably wildcrafted and CO2 extracted, this potent hot-water chaga extract retains its biological activity for antioxidant and immune boosting effects.

4. Host Defense MyCommunity

From renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, this once daily superfood mycelium blend bridges together 17 essential probiotic mushroom species to facilitate overall wellbeing.

5. Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend

Specialized in superfood mushroom formulations, this blend incorporates 10 different mushroom powders, delivering nourishment for brain, body, and immune function.

6. Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Reishi

Concentrated with all three types of reishi mushroom compounds, these capsules holistically support vital energy, cardiovascular health, and mental acuity.

7. New Chapter Lion's Mane Capsules

New Chapter grows their organic lion's mane mushrooms on actual bamboo to properly elicit production of neuroprotective hericenones and erinacines.

The Takeaway

High quality mushroom supplements offer a vast range of science-backed wellness benefits, from immunity to anti-aging to brain optimization and more. When shopping, look for reputable brands that adhere to strict quality control measures so you receive contaminant-free, highly bioactive extracts cultivated from around the world.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.