Mycelium or Fruiting Body: Which Mushroom Supplement Should You Choose?

January 12, 2025 | Dr. Silvana Jakupovic, ND

In functional mushroom research, an ongoing debate captivates the interest of the scientific community and wellness enthusiasts: the comparison between mycelium and fruiting bodies. This discussion focuses on which part of the mushroom benefits the most overall health.

Mycelium refers to a fungi’s extensive, root-like network of hyphae that absorb nutrients from the growth medium. Typically hidden from view, mycelium forms the foundation of the mushroom's life cycle, supporting its growth by breaking down organic material.

In contrast, the fruiting body is the reproductive segment of the mushroom that emerges from the mycelium. It is commonly recognized as a mushroom because it varies in shape and size depending on the species. It consists of a stem and a cap, often housing spores underneath.

What Are the Health Benefits of the Fruiting Body?

The fruiting body is celebrated for its rich nutrient profile, providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. It has been associated with several health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, supporting digestion, and enhancing overall vitality.

A notable advantage of the fruiting body is its bioavailability. This term refers to how well substances are absorbed into the bloodstream. Fruiting bodies tend to have higher bioavailability, allowing the body to utilize their medicinal properties more effectively.

These parts of the mushroom also contain various bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenols, which vary depending on the mushroom type and growing conditions.

How Do Polysaccharides Enhance Mushroom Supplements?

Polysaccharides, particularly noted for their immune-boosting effects, are abundantly found in fruiting bodies. The concentration and potency of these compounds make fruiting body extracts highly sought after in the supplement market. As the debate continues, one consensus is clear: supplements derived solely from 100% fruiting body extracts surpass those that include mycelium, particularly in maximizing the effectiveness of polysaccharides.

What Are the Health Benefits of Mycelium?

The fruiting body, the mature, above-ground part of the mushroom, is crucial for spore dispersal and is a storage center for vital nutrients, including polysaccharides. As the mushroom matures, it channels a substantial portion of its resources towards developing these complex carbohydrates, enriching the fruiting body with polysaccharides.

Conversely, mycelium is the vegetative growth of the mushroom, existing subterraneously and functioning much like roots do for plants. Mycelium also contains polysaccharides, though in lesser amounts than fruiting bodies. It supports the fruiting body but has lower concentrations of polysaccharides compared to the fruiting body.

Which Holds More Value in Mushroom Extracts?

The debate over mycelium supplementation in the functional mushroom sector highlights detailed discussions about the extraction of mycelium, its health benefits, and its efficacy. One central point of debate is the significant difference in nutritional content and beneficial compound concentrations between mycelium and the fruiting body.

Although mycelium contains beneficial compounds, it generally has a much lower nutritional density and fewer valuable components than the fruiting body. For example, the beta-glucan content in fruiting bodies can range from 30-40%, whereas mycelium typically contains only about 5-7% of these bioactive substances. This substantial difference underscores the ongoing discussions about mycelium's potency.

Adding to the complexity, mycelium is often cultivated on substrates like grain or rice, which complicates the isolation of pure mycelium. As a result, mycelium-based supplements often include a significant amount of inert filler material from the cultivation medium, which can dilute the effectiveness and hinder the therapeutic concentrations of fungal constituents.

What Should You Look for in Mushroom Supplements?

When selecting mushroom supplements, consider the following:

• Ensure the product uses only fruiting body extract.
• Look for a high concentration of bioactive compounds, like Beta-D-Glucans.
• Choose products with minimal fillers and grown on appropriate substrates like wood.
• Opt for extracts with a high ratio for maximum therapeutic benefit.
• Verify the organic certification of the product.

Where Can You Buy High-Quality Mushroom Supplements?

When shopping for mushroom supplements, examine the ingredients list for fillers or grain-based components. Products labeled "full-spectrum" may not always provide the desired potency, potentially necessitating higher doses for effectiveness.

Eversio Wellness is an example of a company that provides transparent information about its mushroom products, including detailed Certificates of Analysis confirming the content and quality of its extracts.

Why Choose Fruiting Bodies Over Mycelium for Health Benefits?

The debate between mycelium and fruiting bodies in functional mushrooms highlights the importance of understanding each component's role and benefits. While mycelium plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and growth, the fruiting body offers superior nutritional value and efficacy for health supplementation. As the market evolves, being well-informed helps you make the best choices for your health needs.

Feel free to share your thoughts and questions below!