What are mushrooms?
We’re pretty confident you know what a mushroom is. But it’s the likes of lions’ mane, cordyceps, chaga, shiitake, maitake and reishi that might not be on your fungi radar. The commercial preparations available are mainly combinations of mushrooms or reishi as a standalone. They’ve even made their way into the cosmetic industry as ingredients in skin creams.
What are mushrooms commonly used for?
There are all sorts of supposed health claims for mushrooms, the most popular is for immunity support, due to them containing beta glucans. However, this is a tenuous assertion as not all types of beta glucans are the same or share the same attributes.
What are beta glucans?
Beta glucans are natural sugars found in the cell walls of certain types of fungi, yeast, bacteria and algae. They are also present in oats and barley. The beta glucans from these sources vary on a molecular level and each offer different effects on the body. Oats, probably the most commonly known source of beta glucans, are notable for their heart health properties helping to manage cholesterol. However, the efficacy of the type of beta glucans found in mushrooms in connection with immune health is uncertain. Yeast-derived beta glucans from baker’s yeast ((Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) however seems to be a more reliable source.
Why don’t we sell mushrooms?
The claims are vague and there are no convincing studies supporting their health properties. Clinical studies also flagged a number of concerning side effects such as skin rashes, itchiness, nausea and heartburn. In high doses they may have blood thinning effects too.
What are the alternatives?
Immune health relies on a diet brimming with fruit, vegetables and wholefoods and a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for additional support, we have a whole category of products - take a look by clicking here. Based on what we’ve learnt about beta glucans above, a particularly good choice would be Beta Glucans. Our Beta Glucan supplement also delivers 25µg of vitamin D3, 150mg of vitamin C, 10mg of zinc and 110µg of selenium, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
Our Nutrition Advice Team maintain that the foundation to most supplement regimes is a good multivitamin and mineral, and we have an excellent range to offer here.
If you are on a plant-based diet and are looking for a vegan source of vitamin D, look no further than our Vegan Vitamin D3 1000iu.
Final Thought
Until convincing evidence for mushroom supplements is published, we’re happy to keep these ‘fun-guys’ on the dinner plate for now.
Need FREE confidential nutrition advice? Contact our Nutrition Advice Team by clicking here.
Further reading… why not browse our Blog articles to find out more about how to support a healthy lifestyle.
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Keri
Keri Filtness has worked in the Nutrition Industry for 19 years. She is regularly called upon for her professional comments on health and nutrition related news. Her opinions have been featured by BBC3, Prima, Vitality, The Mirror, Woman’s Own and Cycling Weekly, amongst others. She has also worked one to one with journalists, analysing their diets and health concerns and recommending changes and additions, where appropriate.
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