What are Functional Mushrooms?

‘Functional’ mushrooms are those with benefits that exceed their nutritional value and help the body and mind to function optimally, leading to better health and wellbeing.

More specifically, research suggests that functional mushrooms can potentially help with health issues such as immunity, brain health, mood and anxiety.

Numerous studies have shown that they possess anticancer, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

(For a deeper dive into specific ingredients and health benefits, take a look at our FAQ section here.)

Bioavailable mushroom supplements

How do they support your health?

Functional mushrooms are considered a Superfood as they contain high levels of health-supporting compounds such as Vitamin D, B vitamins, copper, potassium, selenium and zinc - as well as a variety of antioxidants, polyphenols, polysaccharides and beta glucans.

Working together and individually, these compounds support the body’s natural ability to adapt to internal and external stressors – particularly within the nervous and immune systems. For this reason, mushrooms are often referred to as ‘adaptogens’. The resulting effect can be a stronger immune system, better brain function, elevated mood and higher energy and stamina.*

Supplements that use the whole fruiting body of the mushroom also help to increase good bacteria in the gut and have a large amount of dietary fiber which aids in healthy digestion.

While not all people experience a drastic change in how they feel immediately when taking functional mushrooms, as their systems come into balance over time, most feel an elevated sense of general wellbeing.

Why take functional mushrooms vs. other types of supplements?

The supplements marketplace is flooded with synthetically-derived products, so finding plant-based alternatives that have a wide range of health benefits is a challenge. Therefore, many people take functional mushroom supplements because they offer a plant-based, non-pharmaceutical way to address specific health issues, and when taken consistently, can provide an overall sense of day-to-day wellbeing.

Additionally, taking mushrooms to improve your health is not a fad. For centuries all around the world, they have been used to treat physical ailments and mood disorders, as well as to support healthy digestion and gut health.

What defines premium quality functional mushroom supplements?

  1. They are made from whole fruiting bodies, not mycelium. Whole fruiting bodies (the stem, cap & spores) contain the largest concentration of beneficial bioactive compounds, like amino acids, triterpenes and beta glucans.  Mycelium (the root structure) also contains some beneficial compounds.  However, since it is not possible to separate the mycelium from the grain substrate it’s typically grown upon, these compounds are ‘diluted’ providing less potency.
  2. They are extracted.  Typical extraction methods include hot-water or alcohol which are used to ensure that the beneficial compounds are bio-available when consumed. Without extraction, these compounds can not be absorbed by the human body.
  3. They have potent dose levels.  In other words, they have enough bioactive compounds to have the intended effect on your body.  This is a function of not only the amount of mushroom extract in the supplement, but also the concentration of bioactive ingredients in that extract. 
  4. They are sourced from a clean environment.  Mushrooms are like sponges.  They take on all the good - and bad stuff- that exists in the soil or materials they are grown upon.  When mushrooms are “wild grown”,  the elements in the environment - such as pollution and heavy metals - can show up in the substrate they are grown on.  This is why you will find warning labels (e.g. CA Prop 65) on many mushroom supplement products.  When mushrooms are grown in countries and or regions where the environmental standards are not or have not been very high, the heavy metal levels (particularly lead) can exceed what some government entities consider safe.

Wholeshroome products are always made from whole fruit bodies grown under strict European purity standards, hot-water extracted and delivered in potent doses.

Mushroom Brands Purity Comparison

See how the top brands compare

If you are interested in knowing how the biggest mushroom supplement brands+ - including Real Mushrooms, Four Sigmatic and FreshCap - compare on sourcing, dose level, toxin standards, additives, etc., share your address below and we'll send you the full breakdown.

+ ‘Amazon Best Sellers’ for ‘Herbal Mushroom Supplements’ Oct. 2023; Includes only brands using whole fruit body mushrooms (not mycelium)