Functional mushroom supplements have surged in popularity, but not all products deliver the same benefits. One of the most critical distinctions is whether a supplement uses fruiting bodies or myceliated grain. Understanding this difference is essential for making informed choices.
What Are Fruiting Bodies and Mycelium?
The fruiting body is the visible part of the mushroom (the cap and stem) that emerges above ground. It contains the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants, which are linked to immune support, cognitive health, and stress resilience.
In contrast, mycelium is the root-like network that grows underground or within a substrate. While it plays a vital role in the fungal life cycle, mycelium grown on grain often contains fewer active compounds and a significant amount of starch from the substrate
Efficacy Matters: Beta-Glucan Content
Beta-glucans are the primary immune-modulating compounds in mushrooms. Studies show that fruiting bodies can contain five to fifteen times more beta-glucans than mycelium grown on grain. For example, lions mane fruiting bodies often test at 30–50% beta-glucans, while grain-grown mycelium may fall below 7%. This difference dramatically impacts supplement efficacy.
The Problem with Myceliated Grain
Myceliated grain supplements are typically produced by growing mycelium on sterilized grains like rice or oats. After colonization, the entire mixture—mycelium plus grain—is dried and ground into powder. This process is cost-effective but results in a product that may contain 35–40% starch, diluting the concentration of beneficial compounds.
While mycelium does contain unique compounds, such as certain enzymes and alpha-glucans, these are not as well-studied or as potent as the beta-glucans and triterpenes found in fruiting bodies.
Why Fruiting Body Supplements Are Superior
Fruiting body are higher potency and offer better bioavailability.
In contrast, myceliated grain powders often skip these steps, offering fewer concentrated benefits.
How to Choose a High-Quality Mushroom Supplement
When shopping for mushroom supplements:
- Look for “fruiting body” clearly stated on the label.
- Check for standardized beta-glucan content.
- Avoid vague terms like “myceliated brown rice” or “proprietary blend.”
- NB: Choose products that are third-party tested for purity and potency.
Bioshroom’s Commitment to Quality
Bioshroom was founded to address the demand for pure and responsibly cultivated functional mushrooms, utilising growing methods that prioritise quality and efficacy.
That’s why our facility is located high above sea-level, far away from industry, in a UNESCO-recognized biosphere. It’s the reason why we only produce 100% fruiting bodies (no grain fillers), where each batch we produce undergoes independent third-party testing to guarantee purity, efficacy, and safety.
