Functional Mushroom Gummies: A Comprehensive Guide

The gills of an oyster mushroom. Text reads "What are functional mushroom gummies?"

Functional mushroom gummies are becoming a popular daily supplement that promises to help with cognitive function and stress relief. Is it hype? Or is there some truth behind the marketing pushes?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about functional mushroom gummies.

What Are Functional Mushroom Gummies?

Functional mushroom gummies are gummies infused with the extract of functional mushrooms fruiting bodies. They shouldn’t contain any fibrous parts of the mushroom. Functional mushroom gummies do not contain any psilocybe mushrooms, meaning they won’t have any hallucinogenic effects.

You should be able to figure out what your gummies contain by looking at your third-party certificate of analysis. These lab documents should tell you what functional mushrooms your gummies contain and at which potency.

Certificate of analysis, or COAs for short, can look like highly technical documents— learn how to read them here.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Functional Mushroom Gummies?

Functional mushroom gummies can include just a single mushroom species extract or a combination of several. It’s really up to the manufacturer and the ability of the flavor to mask the hints of shroom. The four most popular mushrooms you’re likely to find in gummy form include,

Reishi Ganoderma Lucidum

Reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like triterpenes and beta-glucans that are believed to support a healthy immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality,” Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine have used Reishi mushrooms as far back as 100 B.C. to improve health.

Lion’s Mane Hericium Erinaceas

This visually striking mushroom is believed to help maintain and improve cognitive health. Lion’s Main mushrooms contain erinacines and hericenones, compounds some research suggests may stimulate nerve growth and myelin sheath maintenance thus making this mushroom good for supporting a healthy nervous system.

Chaga Inonotus Obliquus

This (less visually striking) mushroom grows almost exclusively on birch trees and contains many antioxidants like melanin and polyphenols. Many use chaga to help boost their immune system, protect cells from oxidative stress, and help boost energy levels.

Cordyceps Cordyceps Sinensis

This somewhat notorious fungus gained a lot of attention after the release of the HBO series Last of Us. While it does have a unique propagation method, cordyceps mushrooms also have the potential to enhance endurance and boost energy levels. They contain cordycepin, adenosine, and other compounds that help us use oxygen more efficiently.

What Do Functional Mushroom Gummies Do?

Humans have consumed mushrooms for their health benefits for centuries, but it’s their unique compounds, like beta-glucans and polysaccharides, that have recently gained the attention of health-conscious consumers.

Several studies suggest that functional mushrooms and their unique compounds may be able to help with,

Because mushrooms have unique tastes and textures, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily that’s where functional mushroom gummies come into play. They are infused with extracts meaning they should be able to deliver all of the benefits of functional mushrooms with no earthy taste.

How To Take Functional Mushroom Gummies For Stress

To experience the benefits of your functional mushroom gummies, you’ll want to abide by the dosing schedule on your package. Generally, functional mushroom gummies will follow a once-daily schedule.

Will Functional Mushroom Gummies Help With Brain Function?

It’s very possible that incorporating functional mushroom gummies into your daily supplement routine will help with brain function. To be clear though, these gummies aren’t some sort of limitless pill, but you may find it easier to focus on the task at hand, prioritize your day, and you may even find that your recall is better after taking them.

There have been some studies, specifically with Lion’s Mane mushrooms, that functional mushrooms may promote neurogenesis— your brain’s ability to generate new, healthy neurons.

Will Functional Mushroom Gummies Give Me A Hangover?

While functional mushroom gummies likely won’t make you feel hungover, it’s important to abide by your product’s dosing schedule. Functional mushrooms have adaptogenic properties and interact with your body.

Taking too much can lead to some unwanted side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.

What’s The Difference Between CBD And Functional Mushrooms?

There are a few differences between CBD and functional mushrooms.

CBD is a cannabinoid produced by flowering hemp plants. Functional mushrooms are different species that produce different organic compounds.
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Functional mushrooms generally interact with your gut biome and immune system.
CBD has a generally safer consumption profile than functional mushrooms.

Can You Take CBD With Functional Mushrooms?

You can mix CBD, other cannabinoids, and your functional mushroom gummies. Doing so may elicit an extended entourage effect.

Functional Mushroom Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions

Will They Interact With My Medications?

Functional mushroom gummies, like most supplements, present the risk of drug reactions. If you’re currently on any prescription drugs, please consult your primary care physician or pharmacist to discuss potential interactions between your prescriptions and functional mushroom gummies.

Are They Habit-Forming?

Functional mushroom gummies are not habit-forming. Like CBD, they present little to no signs of dependence in users.

There is a possibility that you may not feel like the best you if you are taking functional mushroom gummies consistently and stop abruptly.

Will They Show Up On A Drug Test?

Functional mushrooms are not illegal and not looked for on drug tests. If your functional mushroom gummies also contain cannabinoids, check your certificate of analysis for any traces of THC. Any amount of THC will likely show up on a drug screening.

Are They Legal?

Functional mushroom gummies are legal throughout the United States, although they aren’t approved by the FDA. That means you can purchase them, but do so at your discretion from a vendor that you trust as the oversight mechanisms are not there.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Functional mushroom gummies may cause some side effects like,

Allergic reactions – the most common side effect of mushroom supplements is an allergic reaction.
Upset stomach – some people experience gas, bloating, and mild discomfort after taking mushroom supplements. This is less likely with gummies as the fiber of the mushrooms has been removed.
Blood thinning – Some mushroom species may have potential blood-thinning effects which may compound with blood-thinning drugs and pose a potential risk.

The Wrapup

Functional mushroom gummies offer folks an exciting and tasty way to improve their day-to-day wellness. Before you buy, do your due diligence and research the quality of not only the mushrooms but also the company that you’re buying from. Always ask to see test results.

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