Medicinal Mushroom Supplement Safety: What You Need to Know
QUOTE:
The market for medicinal mushrooms is expanding due to the rising prevalence of health problems across the world. With the emergence of medicinal mushrooms, the market growth is driven by an increased desire for functional foods among the majority of health-conscious consumers. Another significant factor flourishing the market growth rate include the high utilization of medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of common cold, inflammation, seasonal allergies, bronchitis and asthma. Furthermore, advent of private-labelled brands and the rise in the number of applications in various end-use industries such as cosmetics, healthcare and food and beverages are the major drivers that will cushion the market’s growth rate. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-medicinal-mushroom-market
For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been revered in the traditional food and medicine systems of different cultures around the wold. The reservoir of these natural molecular factories is brimming with bioactive compounds that can bolster immunity, enhance digestion, potentially boost brain function, decrease stress response, regulate hormones, elevate energy levels, and promote overall well-being. (Not to mention the remediative potential of certain mushrooms, which we’ve only begun to unearth!)
In the West, the popularity of medicinal mushrooms is surging. Amidst the looming threat of global disease crises, partly due to declining human health, inadequate diet/nutrition, and limited access to legitimate healthcare, many individuals and families are turning to Mother Nature for solutions. On the flip side of this, there is also an influx of interest from health-conscious consumers that are interested in enhancing vitality or optimizing their own and/or their families’ health and wellness.
This rising interest has led to increased demand for products rich in beneficial bioactive molecules, with medicinal mushrooms topping the list of sources for some of nature’s most remarkable compounds. However, as with any supplement, not all mushroom products are created equal. The quality and safety of these supplements can vary significantly, making it essential to know what to look for when choosing a product. This guide will shed light on the key factors you need to consider to ensure you’re selecting a high-quality, safe, and effective medicinal mushroom supplement
Supplement Sourcing and Safety Considerations
When considering adding medicinal mushrooms to your health regimen, it’s important to consider the source of your supplements. Many major manufacturers don’t actually grow their own mushrooms, but rather source raw materials wholesale from China, where, historically, the majority of the world’s medicinal mushrooms have been grown. However, there are legitimate concerns about quality control and potential contamination in these mass-produced products for a number of reasons. (Think Amazon…. we’ll cover this topic in great detail in a future article.)
For the highest quality, consider sourcing your mushrooms domestically, preferably from a local small-farm or similar reputable operation. Check with your local agriculture extension agent, or search for an organic producers directory through your state’s department of agriculture. These sources are more likely to grow their mushrooms organically (whether certified or not), ensuring they are free from harmful pesticides and other conventional contaminants. Furthermore, locally sourced mushrooms support local economies and are, undoubtedly, fresher than their imported counterparts.
The Importance of Organic Mushrooms
Organic cultivation practices are particularly important when it comes to mushrooms. Mushrooms are known to absorb and concentrate whatever they grow in, including any pesticides, heavy-metal ions and/or other environmental pollutants present. Therefore, choosing organic goes a log way toward ensuring that your medicinal mushroom supplement is free from the majority of these potentially harmful substances and retains its full medicinal/functional potential.
Organic certification also guarantees that the mushrooms are grown without genetically modified organisms (GMOs), irradiation, or synthetic additives. These practices may alter the natural composition and properties of the mushrooms, reducing their effectiveness and safety.
The Difference Between Whole Mushrooms and Extracts
Here’s where things get a little complicated…
Another factor to consider when choosing a mushroom supplement is whether it contains whole mushrooms or extracts and precisely which part was used, how much, as well as how it was extracted. Is the product 100% fruiting body, only mycelium, a combination of both, or an extract of one or the other?
(…see?)
Since the cell walls of mushrooms are predominantly indigestible Chitin, and most of the notable bioactive compounds are locked within the cells, dried mushroom products generally need further processing in order to make these compounds bioavailable. This could be as simple as pouring hot water over crushed or powdered mushrooms to make a tea, although most mushroom supplement manufacturers use one or a combination of methods mentioned further into this section.
‘Whole mushroom’ on a label generally refers to dried and powdered fruiting body (what you picture when you think of the whole mushroom) AND the mycelium (the root-like network that grows underground in nature) which has been grown on a grain substrate like oats or brown rice. The majority of a product with this composition will be primarily biomass, which contains a certain amount of secondary metabolites, enzymes, etc., with somewhere around 10% to 30% fruiting body. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule and we’ll explore those as well.
‘100% Fruiting Body’, as the name implies, refers to a product that is made exclusively with the visible spore-bearing structure – body – of the mushroom. These products are generally higher in beta-glucans, which are considered by many to be the key active constituents of medicinal mushrooms. Due to the nature of mushroom growth, these products are also considerably more expensive and time-consuming to produce, so fetch a higher market price.
The other major type of supplement on the market today is comprised mostly or entirely from myceliated grain, usually brown rice, oats, millet or wheat. These mycelium-based products are marketed as being mushroom supplements, but due to the nature of their manufacture, usually contain little to no actionable quantities of bioactive compounds found within mushroom fruiting bodies, and are generally comprised of predominantly alpha-glucans (starch) from the grain substrate.
There are also exceptions to this, and the difference seems to come down to the process used to grow and dry the product. We will explore those products and processes in detail in a future article.
Mushroom extracts are concentrated forms of fresh or dried mushrooms that have been processed by one or more methods to release the cell-bound constituents and/or enhance their bioavailability (the amount that can be absorbed and used by the body). There are different types of extracts, such as water (hot/cold), alcohol, dual (a combination of both alcohol and water), and enzymatic extracts.
The advantage of extracts is that they may contain higher levels of active ingredients in a more bioavailable form than whole mushrooms. Compounds such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and antioxidants are likely to be persevered with proper extraction techniques. These compounds are responsible for most of the health benefits of medicinal and functional mushrooms. Extracts may also be easier to digest than whole mushrooms.
However, extracts may also lose some of the beneficial components that are present in whole mushrooms, such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other mycochemicals. These components may have synergistic effects with the active ingredients, enhancing their potency and efficacy.
Therefore, the best choice may depend on your personal preference and health goals. Some people may prefer whole mushrooms for their natural and holistic approach, while others may opt for extracts for their convenience, higher potency, and/or bioavailability.
How to Choose a Reputable Brand
The mushroom supplement industry is largely unregulated, which means that there is no guarantee that the products you buy are safe, pure, or effective. Therefore, it is suggested to do your research and choose a reputable brand that follows good manufacturing practices (GMPs) (whether certified or not) and provides third-party testing results.
GMPs are standards that ensure the quality and consistency of dietary supplements. They cover aspects such as sanitation, equipment, personnel, labeling, and record-keeping. Third-party testing is an independent verification that the products meet the specifications and claims of the manufacturer. It can also detect any contaminants or adulterants that may compromise the safety or efficacy of the products.
Some of the things to look for when choosing a mushroom supplement brand are:
- The source and origin of the mushrooms
- The type and method of extraction
- The amount and percentage of active ingredients
- The presence of organic certification or other quality seals
- The availability of third-party testing results or certificates of analysis (COAs)
- The customer reviews and feedback
While there are businesses and individuals that produce excellent quality organic mushroom supplements without actually being certified organic, such home-based or small-scale growers/processors/vendors should definitely be vetted, and have a good reputation. If they’re local to you, ask for a farm or facility tour to see the operation for yourself. You might also ask if they currently have a procedure for lab testing their products and, if so, get a copy of their most recent batch test.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality and safe mushroom supplement that can support your health and well-being long term.
Conclusion
Medicinal mushrooms have many potential benefits for your health, but not all mushroom supplements are created equal. To get the most out of your mushroom supplement, you need to consider the source, quality, type, and brand of the product you choose.
By choosing organic, locally sourced, whole or extracted mushrooms from a reputable brand that provides third-party testing results, you can enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms without compromising your safety.
