Wholeshroome

All Wholeshroome mushrooms are grown exclusively on organic farms in Europe. The varieties Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Maitake and Agaricus Blazei are grown in the Netherlands while our Agaricus Bisporus Vitamin D product is grown in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Because mushrooms act like sponges, absorbing all the good (and bad) elements within soil, the material they are grown on is essential to their purity. That’s why our mushrooms are grown on organic compost sourced in Europe, producing some of the cleanest, purest whole fruiting body mushrooms in the world.

For decades, the Netherlands has been in the top 3 largest producers and exporters of mushrooms in the world.

Through that deep experience the Dutch mushroom industry has built a global reputation as a knowledge leader in the areas of cultivation, crop protection, harvesting activities and certification.

As a member of the EU, the Netherlands has the highest standards in the world when it comes to food safety and sustainable cultivation of food and environmental protection, ranking second worldwide in food system sustainability.

It is from local, organic-certified Dutch farms that adhere to these strict standards that Wholeshroome sources all its mushroom extracts.

‘Clean-washing’ of ingredients grown in China is widespread in the mushroom supplements industry.

While those companies that grow mushrooms in China may use organic practices (i.e. not directly applying pesticides / herbicides), they cannot control the broader environmental conditions that exist there.  Mushrooms are like sponges. They not only absorb the good nutrients in soil, but the toxins in them as well.  It is therefore more difficult to produce products with very low levels of heavy metals in places like China.

So, while these companies often tout how many times they test their mushrooms, what they don’t talk about is the actual levels of heavy metals those tests find.  In fact, many brands that grow whole fruiting bodies in China do not pass the Lead levels required by California Prop 65 (not to mention those required by the EU).

There are reasons products grown in China are so much less expensive:  Cheap labor and ‘dirty’ energy.  

There are two basic ways to create mushroom supplements with low prices:  Use mycelium-based products, or grow whole fruiting bodies in places like China.  The former makes for products with far less medicinal properties, and the latter employs production methods that are not environmentally sustainable.  

Drying mushrooms is an energy-intensive process.  Consequently, it’s a big factor in driving the costs of products.  Using energy created by coal allows companies in China to keep these costs very low.  Of course, this has extremely negative trade-offs for our global environment.  Additionally, picking mushrooms by hand is a labor-intensive process, and China has some of the cheapest migrant farm worker labor in the world, with the average worker making less than $7K/year.  

These practices are often justified by their ultimate effects on price.  As one of the very largest mushroom supplement makers says, ‘it’s not economically feasible to grow mushrooms for supplements in North America.’  What they really mean is they don’t believe people are willing to pay for things like purity of ingredients and manufacturing practices that respect the environment.  We don’t believe that’s true.  If you believe (like we do) those things are worth paying more for, then it is ‘economically feasible.’  It comes down to what you personally value.  And, in our opinion, having the cleanest ingredients created in a sustainable way is worth the price with which it comes.

Mushrooms contain 3 main parts: mycelium (root structure), a mushroom stem/cap (fruiting body) and spores (microscopic seeds). All have medicinal benefits. However, because the fruiting body has the highest beta-glucan content (and therefore medicinal properties), we believe they are the most potent. So, we use only the whole fruiting body of the mushroom in all of our products. We think that using only the whole fruiting body is so important that we even put it in our name.

Yes. Every functional ingredient in the Wholeshroome product line is organic. You’ll see this noted in the ingredient list on the back of our packaging.

Our mushrooms are grown on an organic substrate product made in Germany by Kynast-Locke GmbH.

Our Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Maitake and Agaricus Blazei are hot-water extracted for bioavailability in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility in Holland and vacuum-dried in a GMP facility in France. Both facilities are FDA-certified.

Our vitamin D product, which is derived from the Agaricus Bisporus mushroom, is not extracted as this process is not a necessary step in creating bioavailability or increasing Vitamin D levels.

Organic agaricus bisporus mushrooms - also known as white button mushrooms - are the source of Vitamin D2 in our products.

When the mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light, the ergosterol in the cell membrane is converted to Vitamin D2. It is a naturally derived process resulting in a non-synthetic, plant-based source of Vitamin D2.

The primary difference is that vitamin D3 is most commonly found in animal-sourced foods while vitamin D2 is only found in plant-sourced foods.

Most Vitamin D3 supplements on the market today are derived from sheep lanolin, which is a wax found on sheep’s wool. A multi-step chemical process is utilized to convert the lanolin to Vitamin D3.

In contrast, the Vitamin D2 derived from mushrooms is a natural, one-step process. The mushrooms are simply exposed to UV-B light giving rise to Vitamin D2.

Recent studies show that the efficacy of D2 and D3 are similar. The following study shows that daily administration of D2 is as effective as D3 in raising Vitamin D blood serum levels:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18089691/

The source of our zinc is Lynside ® Forte Zinc (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). It is a fortified yeast product created in the EU that provides a highly bioavailable source of zinc.

Zinc is a natural essential trace element important in healthy immune function and in the protection of cells from oxidative damage.

No.

In herbal medicine, an adaptogen is a natural substance considered to help your body adapt to stress.  Adaptogens include roots, herbs and mushrooms often consumed in powdered extracts, teas or capsules.  In short, Adaptogens improve an individual's ability to cope with stress.

Yes. While medicinal mushrooms start to slightly lose a bit of their original potency, they are perfectly safe to consume and you will still get the vast majority of the intended benefits.

First off, let’s be clear what we mean by ‘purity’: 

We think of purity as a measure of
supplement quality, quantified by the absence of two types of substances:

1) Harmful contaminants like solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals that can come from the growing environment. These take away from purity in that they are harmful to your health.

2) Added ingredients that offer no
functional benefit like grains, fillers and things like magnesium stearate and aluminum which can be used to make manufacturing processes easier. These take away from purity in that they can dilute the product’s intended effects.

So, the purity of your mushrooms matters - not only in relation to the effects (harmful or lowered) it can have on your health, but also in the value you are getting for your money.

That’s why it’s important to do
your research when choosing a supplement.  When you do, we recommend looking at actual test result levels.  Most all companies test for harmful substances, giving the impression they meet the highest standards, but often their levels are questionable.

At Wholeshroome, mushroom purity is our mission. Our products test at levels far below the strictest standards in world.  See for yourself here.

Yes. All our mushroom products are 3rd party tested multiple times for heavy metals and not only meet or exceed strict EU Food & Safety Authority standards, but also meet or exceed those set by California Prop 65.

To learn more, please visit Raising the bar in mushroom purity

Yes. We are proud of that, because of the quality and purity of the substrate used in our organic growing process, our mushrooms comply with California Prop 65 - a set of strict standards for allowable heavy metals content that go well beyond those of the FDA. You can see how our products actually measure up here.

Yes. We are proud that our products are significantly below the heavy metals limits set by the European Union Food & Safety Authority - standards that are amongst the strictest in the world.

To learn more, please visit Raising the bar in mushroom purity

Yes. Every batch of mushroom extract powder is tested three times by a third-party lab for heavy metals, mycotoxins, bacteria, yeast and mold, e. coli, and coliforms. All testing is done by Eurofins, which is a third-party lab.

If you are interested in seeing our testing certificates / results, please visit Raising the bar in mushroom purity

We use the Megazyme method, an industry standard in measuring the level of beneficial beta glucans in our products. Our third-party lab, Eurofins conducts the results.

If you are interested in seeing our testing certificates / results, please visit Raising the bar in mushroom purity

Yes. Our products are 100% plant-based and meet the requirements of gluten-free, vegan, paleo and keto diets.

All of our products are free from the nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

That said, we realize there may be people who are allergic to specific ingredients in our products, which we attempt to provide a full list of here:

All our products, of course, contain a variety of mushroom types.

Our Focus product contains the plant / herb adaptogens Ashwagandha and Bacopa.

The Zinc used in our Defense product is made with fortified yeast.

Our capsules are vegetarian and made from gelatin-free tapioca starch.

Small amounts of rice hulls are used in processing our mushrooms.

Currently there is not enough published research to advise on the use of mushroom supplements by children or while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please consult your qualified healthcare practitioner for more information and guidance.

Our “Balance” product, which is 100% mushroom based, contains a 1000 mg serving (2 capsules) of mushroom extract.

Our “Focus” product, which includes additional adaptogen ingredients such as Ashwagandha and Bacopa, contains a 500 mg serving (2 capsules) of mushroom extract.

Our “Defense” product, which also includes additional ingredients such as Zinc and mushroom-based Vitamin D2, contains a 500 mg serving (2 capsules) of mushroom extract.

Currently there is no research suggesting whether it is better to take Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Maitake and/or Agaricus Blazei mushrooms on an empty stomach or with food. We all respond differently to functional mushrooms so we encourage you to find what works best for you.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it does not dissolve in water and is absorbed best in your bloodstream when paired with food. For this reason, we recommend taking our Vitamin D2 product with a meal to enhance absorption.

In order to allow your body to adapt to the beneficial compounds and feel the benefits of functional mushrooms, we recommend daily and consistent use.

However, it is always important to consult with your qualified healthcare practitioner on any questions about functional mushroom and adaptogen use.

The benefits of functional mushrooms and adaptogens are typically experienced with prolonged use. Some benefits can be felt right away - such as stress relief, while other benefits - such as immune support, may only be recognized at the end of the cold and flu season when you realize you did not get sick as frequently.

It is important to note that each individual experience will differ, as everyone is different in how their body metabolizes the beneficial compounds found in functional mushrooms and adaptogens.

Currently, there are no established upper-level limits for consumption of functional mushrooms or adaptogens.

If you would like to combine products or consume more than the recommended dose listed, we suggest that you consult your qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance.

Regarding dosage of Vitamin D2, according to the National Academy of Medicine, 4,000 IU is the safe upper-level of daily Vitamin D intake.

Lion’s Mane has attracted a lot of attention as a natural nootropic for improving memory, focus and cognition. However, the brain boosting benefits of Lion’s Mane are not its only advantage. Lion’s Mane has also been labeled a “functional mushroom” for its vast array of other potential health benefits.

Below are links to scientific papers on just a few of the many benefits of Lion’s Mane:

Memory and cognitive function: Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus

Depression and anxiety relief: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/

Heart health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24959591/

Gut health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5689651/

The Maitake mushroom has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries for its purported immune function support and enhancement. Which makes sense, as the fruiting body of the Maitake mushrooms has one of the highest concentrations of beta-glucans of the traditional Asian medicinal mushrooms.

Numerous scientific studies have also been published regarding Maitake’s effect on lowering cholesterol and decreasing blood pressure.

Below are links to some of the known benefits of Maitake mushrooms:

Immune System support: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15298759/

Heart health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20567593/

Like Maitake, the Shiitake mushroom has also been used for hundreds of years in traditional Asian medicine. It is believed to support “qi” or lifeforce and improve the body’s circulation as well as strengthen the immune system.

Below are links to some of the known benefits of Shiitake mushrooms:

Immune System support: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20491636/

Cardiovascular health support: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/

Despite a good balanced diet, most of us who live in northern hemisphere societies are deficient in Vitamin D. Therefore, almost all health authorities agree on the need for Vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D is important because it is responsible for regulating many systems within the body, including our immune, brain and nervous systems. In short, it is a vital component of our overall well-being.

It is for these reasons that the amount of mushroom-based vitamin D in our product lines ranges from 100% DV in our Focus product to 450% DV in our Vitamin D2 product.

Below are links to some of the known benefits of vitamin D:

Immune system support: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281985/

Brain health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132681/

Cognitive performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578965/

Vitamin D is mainly found in two forms: ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3). According to the National Institute of Health, while the two forms differ in their chemical side-chain structures, they are equally well-absorbed in the small intestine.

Dietary vitamin D2 generally comes from plants, particularly mushrooms and yeast, whereas vitamin D3 is derived mainly from animal sources, such as oily fish, liver and eggs.

Source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/#en1

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is referred to as the “royal herb” because of the multitude of rejuvenating effects it has on the body.

Perhaps the largest benefit of Ashwagandha when taken regularly, is the effect it has on the human body’s stress response. Ashwagandha helps regulate stress by managing the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) your body secretes in response to stress.

Ashwagandha is one of the most researched Ayurvedic medicines with numerous papers published demonstrating its ability to help manage the body’s stress response as well as improve both memory and cognitive function and even improve many sleep parameters.

Below are links to some of the known benefits of Ashwagandha:

Stress relief: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

Sleep improvement: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32540634/

Improved memory and cognitive function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/

Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, is also commonly considered an adaptogen having been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support the brain and nervous system by promoting memory, intelligence and concentration. It is also considered a nootropic because of the benefits it has on the physical function of the brain and nervous system.

Below are links to some of the known benefits of Bacopa:

Improved cognition and memory: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075615/

Neuroprotective benefits: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22700087

Stress relief: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12957224/

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Our goal is to fulfill orders received before noon Eastern Time (ET) on the same business day to ensure our carrier partners ship them out later that day. Orders received after noon ET will be shipped by the next business day. Our primary fulfillment center is located in Bethlehem, PA and shipping times will vary based on the shipping method you select on checkout.

When selecting your shipping method at checkout, please remember that the stated transit time for your order is an estimate. Same-business day processing is available if you order before noon EST. For all other orders, we will need 1 business day to process.

We have a 60-day empty bottle guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the product you've purchased for any reason, simply send back the bottle and we'll refund your money.

To begin the return and refund process, please contact us within 60 days of your purchase and a real person from Holland will respond to provide details on where to send it, how we'll refund your money, etc.:

Email: info@wholeshroome.com

Or go to our Contact Page: www.wholeshroome.com/contact

Mushrooms are no different than most things you buy - you generally get what you pay for.

All the functional mushroom products we are aware of in the US market today are either Mycelium-based (which can have effects on the dose / amount of functional ingredients you actually get), or Chinese-grown (raising concerns about purity, sustainable practices, etc.). These are the two main factors that allow companies to sell their mushrooms so cheaply.

When you buy Wholeshroome products, what you are paying for is:

Clean sourcing. We grow and produce in the Netherlands / Europe where standards for metals / toxins are amongst the strictest in the world, where we have access to energy-efficient, climate-friendly processing methods and where labor is paid a fair, living wage. Nearly all other whole fruiting body mushroom-based supplements on the US market today are sourced in China, where labor and production practices allow for extremely cheap pricing. We do things differently, sourcing our mushrooms only from Europe, producing a level of purity other whole fruiting body mushroom supplement makers cannot match.

Whole Fruit Potency. We use only the whole fruit body of the mushroom - with no mycelium, fillers, additives, etc. - in amounts / servings that provide effects you can feel.

Bioavailable ingredients. We hot-water extract our functional mushrooms for maximum absorption by the body, and use plant-based adaptogenic ingredients to further enhance their benefits.

100% traceability. We not only can follow our mushrooms through the GMP & FDA-certified facilities in which they were processed and packed, but we can also tell you about the Dutch farmers who have grown them, because we know them personally.

Planet-friendly practices. It begins with our production partners. The hot water extraction process is performed by a GMP certified facility with an Ecovadis silver rating. Our liquid extract is then dried using a method called "vacuum drying" which is widely considered to be a more energy efficient method than traditional spray-drying. Finally, we extend our planet-friendly practices to our 100% plant-based packaging. Our cardboard tube packaging is fully recyclable and our capsule pouches are home and industrial compostable - but we think it’s so beautiful you won’t want to throw it out at all. Our goal is to create compostable refill packages as soon as we can, making our cardboard tubes reusable rather than just recyclable.

Doing things this way is not easy, or cheap. But we believe it's worth it, because we believe there's nothing more valuable than our own health, and the health of our planet.

We decided to start Wholeshroome by focusing on the most sought after benefits mushrooms can provide. In this way, we hope to do the most good for the most people's health.

However, our future plans are to introduce our mushrooms in a range of other formats, and add new mushroom types as our customers ask for them.

If you would like to make a suggestion on a new product, please send us a note here.