Best Mushroom Supplements: We Dive Into Actual Compounds You Need In Each Mushroom And Where To Buy Them

We’re going to cover which mushrooms are best for what, and the quality markers you should be looking for, even if you don’t want to buy from us. We’ll even let you in on a couple of industry secrets along the way. 

What Should I Look For In Mushroom Supplements?

Ok, so we’ll start with the bad, in fact we did a few of these things early into the brands life, thinking it was best to show customers what they were used to seeing. Things to avoid include:

• Extracts that are ratios, but not standardized
• Blends promising the benefits of multiple mushrooms that don’t standardize for unique compounds
• Proprietary blends (yes we know we have some explaining to do here).

What do we mean by ratio extracts?

That means when we say something like Lion’s Mane 10:1 extract, what that actually means is that we take 10 times the original dry material to get what we have now. But, without standardization, this means nothing. You could take 10lbs of very poor quality mushroom and process it down and you’d still have a poor quality extract. That means you need standardization.

Standardization can be shown in a few different ways, the most common you’ll see with mushrooms is polysaccharides or beta glucans, which isn’t the best way to do things.

Which brings us onto the next point.

Blends Promising Unique Effects

Most mushrooms contain beta glucans, and these have a lot of benefits to immunity, and some mental benefits, but, if you’re looking for lion’s mane for example, that’s not what makes it unique from other mushrooms.

Now, most blends don’t standardize for these unique compounds, erinacines (lion’s mane), cordycepin (cordyceps) and so on. Meaning that even if you’re getting what you think is all of the best mushroom supplements in one, without these compounds it’s a waste of time.

Oh and by the way, it’s a nightmare to get these compounds (erinacines and the like) third party tested, most labs just aren’t set up to do things like erinacines, and it costs a lot as we had to pay set up fees. This is one of the reasons a lot of people don’t do it. And the fact that the production of the extracts with said standardization more than quadruples the production costs.

Proprietary Blends

Now, there isn’t really much reason for doing this in most cases unless you’re hiding something or it’s a marketing ploy. Our main line capsule for example lists the specific amounts of 4 mushrooms, but then sticks another load into a proprietary blend. And the blend in our case, is 100% a marketing ploy for people who are used to, and want to, see 8, 10 or 12 different mushrooms in the bottle.

The reality is however, that we do standardize for cordycepin, erinacines and triterpenes as well as beta glucans, meaning you’re getting full doses of those from the mushrooms in our blend, which at the time of writing we’re the only major brand doing with blended mushroom supplements of with mushroom coffee alternatives. The blend is just for show if we’re being completely honest. But, if you see a blend of mushroom supplements without standardization, then you’re probably wasting your time and money.

Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, what actually makes a good mushroom supplement and which one is right for you?

Fruiting Bodies vs Mycellium

You may have heard a lot about fruiting body vs. mycelium and extraction method, and this often overshadows what truly matters: standardization. While fruiting bodies (the visible part of the mushroom) are traditionally celebrated for their richness in beta-glucans, and mycelium (the root-like structure) is praised for its unique compounds like erinacines, the reality is that the source is less important than the active compound content. Now, if you have no idea of knowing what the active ingredient content is, a decent rule of thumb may be fruiting bodies, with the exception of lion’s mane. But, that only really matters if you’re looking for mushroom supplements cheaper than ours. (That’s really the only bit of pitching ourselves we’re going to do till the end of the article)

Best Mushroom Supplements

Lion’s Mane – The Best Mushroom Supplement for Brain Power

When it comes to boosting brainpower, Lion’s Mane is in a league of its own. It owes its cognitive magic to two unique compounds: erinacines and hericenones.

• Erinacines are primarily found in the mycelium (the root-like structure of the mushroom) and are the real MVPs when it comes to stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF plays a critical role in repairing and maintaining your brain’s neural networks, which means improved focus, better memory, and potentially even protection against age-related cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s.
• Hericenones, on the other hand, come from the fruiting body (the part you’d recognize as a mushroom). These also help your brain, but there’s a twist—recent studies suggest that hericenones might not be as effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier as erinacines. This challenges the common belief that fruiting bodies are always the best choice for supplements. Sometimes, the less visible mycelium steals the show!

How much do you need?

The research on Lion’s Mane is pretty exciting. For the fruiting body extract (rich in hericenones), doses between 500mg to 3,000mg per day have been shown to help with cognitive enhancement. For mycelium extracts enriched with erinacines, you only need around 5-10mg daily to see significant benefits.

When should you use it?

Lion’s Mane is perfect for sharpening your focus, improving memory, and even aiding recovery from neural damage. If you’re worried about conditions like Alzheimer’s, this mushroom shows a lot of promise.

Cordyceps Mushrooms – The Best Mushroom Supplement for Energy

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, Cordyceps might be the energy booster you’ve been missing. This mushroom is all about fueling your body from the inside out, and it does this with two standout compounds: cordycepin and polysaccharides.

• Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is an adenosine analog found mostly in the mycelium. It’s like a power-up for your cells, helping your body produce more ATP (the molecule that fuels energy production). This is why Cordyceps is so popular among athletes and anyone looking for a natural endurance boost.
• Polysaccharides, found in both the fruiting body and mycelium, take care of your oxygen efficiency. They help your body use oxygen more effectively, which is a game-changer for physical performance and stamina.

What’s the right dose?

Most studies on Cordyceps mushrooms recommend doses between 1,000 and 3,000mg per day of Cordyceps militaris or sinensis extract. For cordycepin specifically, you’ll want a supplement standardized to provide 7-10mg daily for noticeable results.

What can it help with?

Whether you’re an athlete trying to push your limits, a busy professional battling fatigue, or just someone looking to maintain steady energy throughout the day, Cordyceps has got your back.

Reishi Mushrooms – The Best Mushroom Supplement for Stress

Feeling stressed? Reishi, also known as the "mushroom of immortality," has been used for centuries to help people find balance and calm. Its secret lies in two powerful compounds: triterpenoids and beta-glucans.

• Triterpenoids (like ganoderic acids) are found in the fruiting body and are famous for their adaptogenic properties. They help your body manage stress by reducing cortisol levels while promoting overall resilience.
• Beta-glucans are immune-modulating polysaccharides found in both the fruiting body and mycelium. These compounds don’t just support your immune system—they also reduce inflammation, which is often linked to stress.

How much should you take?

A typical dose of Reishi fruiting body extract ranges from 1,000 to 5,000mg per day, with the best products standardized for 20-30% beta-glucans and 1-2% triterpenoids.

When is it most useful?

Reishi is ideal if you’re looking to unwind, improve your sleep quality, and build long-term stress resilience. It’s also a favorite for anyone trying to maintain emotional balance in today’s hectic world.

Chaga Mushrooms – The Best Mushroom Supplement for Immunity

Chaga is like nature’s multivitamin for your immune system. Packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds, this mushroom is perfect for keeping you healthy year-round.

• Betulinic Acid, found in the sclerotium (the hardened mycelium), is a standout here. It’s not only great for immune support but also has potent antioxidant properties.
• Polysaccharides, present in both the fruiting body and mycelium, help stimulate the immune response, giving your body the tools it needs to fight off infections.
• Melanin, another compound found in the sclerotium, contributes to Chaga’s remarkable antioxidant profile, protecting your cells from damage.

What dose works best?

Research suggests that 1,000 to 2,000mg per day of Chaga extract is optimal. Look for products standardized to 20-30% polysaccharides and 3-5% betulinic acid for the best results.

Why use it?

Chaga is your go-to for strengthening your immune response, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall antioxidant defenses. It’s particularly popular during cold and flu season or any time you feel your immune system could use a little extra help.

The Other Big Mushrooms: Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake

While some mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi dominate the spotlight, others like Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake deserve just as much attention for their powerful health benefits. These mushrooms bring unique properties to the table, making them essential players in any comprehensive wellness routine.

Maitake Mushrooms – Balancing Blood Sugar and Boosting Immunity

Maitake, often called "the dancing mushroom," has earned its reputation for its ability to support blood sugar balance and strengthen the immune system. It contains D-fraction beta-glucans, which are known to activate key immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. Another standout compound, SX-fraction, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate glucose levels, making it especially useful for managing type 2 diabetes. So, it's definitely worth including in the best mushroom supplements list, but generally speaking it's not the main thing most people looking at functional mushrooms are interested in.

Dosage: Studies suggest that Maitake extracts standardized for beta-glucans and SX-fraction are effective at doses of 1,000–2,000mg per day. Fresh or powdered Maitake mushrooms can also be consumed in culinary dishes for an added nutritional boost.

Maitake is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve blood sugar control, enhance immunity, or support weight management by optimizing metabolism. Its versatility makes it a favorite for both supplements and cooking.

Turkey Tail Mushrooms – Immune and Gut Health Powerhouse

Turkey Tail is a colorful mushroom that stands out for its ability to bolster the immune system and support gut health. Its two main active compounds, PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide), are well-documented immune modulators that stimulate T-cells and macrophages. On top of that, its prebiotic properties help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to better digestion and overall health.

Dosage: Turkey Tail mushroom supplements are typically taken at doses of 1,000–3,000mg per day, often in powder or extract form. For gut health, consuming Turkey Tail as a tea or in powdered form is another popular option.

This mushroom is an ideal choice for those recovering from illness or looking to strengthen their gut microbiome. It’s also a great option for maintaining a balanced and resilient immune system year-round.

Shiitake Mushrooms – Heart and Immune Support

Shiitake is beloved for its delicious flavor and robust health benefits. Its key compounds include lentinan, which enhances immune function, and eritadenine, which helps reduce cholesterol levels. Together, these compounds make Shiitake a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve heart health while boosting their immune defenses.

Dosage: Consuming 5–10g of fresh Shiitake mushrooms per day can provide measurable health benefits, though extracts standardized for lentinan are typically taken at 500–1,500mg per day for more targeted support.

Shiitake is particularly beneficial for improving cholesterol profiles, supporting immunity, and promoting anti-aging effects. As a culinary mushroom, it’s a simple way to add both flavor and function to your meals.

And The Bit About Us

We built Nootrum with all the above in mind, unlike most of our competitors, Nootrum ensure our products are precisely standardized for active compounds like beta-glucans, cordycepin, or erinacines, so you know exactly what you’re getting in every dose. Check out our blended supplement below, but we’ve got powder and coffee too. The only thing we don’t do is a tincture, and the best option for this is the balance coffee guys.

The Best Mushroom Supplement Brands

1. Nootrum Mushroom Capsules

The Mushroom Potency

Nootrum Capsules pack a highly potent blend, including Lion’s Mane for brain health, Reishi mushrooms for stress relief, Cordyceps mushrooms for energy, and Chaga for immunity. Each capsule is carefully standardized for key compounds like beta-glucans and erinacines, ensuring you actually get enough of what matters, this is really hard to find in all in one blends, there are some single ingredient mushroom supplements doing it, but no other blends that we're aware of. Now there are of course other mushroom supplements in here, organic turkey tail extract and royal sun agaricus mushrooms for example, but the stars are really the first four we mentioned.

Ingredient Sourcing

Nootrum sources its mushrooms sustainably and uses dual extraction (water and alcohol) and then we standardize our mushroom extracts. 

Brand Reputation
Known for its rigorous ingredient sourcing and clinical-grade supplements, Nootrum’s capsules are a favorite in the UK for their efficacy and quality.

Customer Reviews Taken From TrustPilot

• Ben Joseph: “I cannot be happier. I later found out that they have premium concentrate extracts and that must be making the difference because the Mushroom blend really helps me relaxing in the mornings. I also feel more focused but that might be because I'm not so tense anymore.”
• Sean “Decided to try them out as I'd been feeling pretty run down lately at work. I'd done a little bit of research into Lion's Mane and Cordyceps and this looked like a good fit for what I was looking for.”

Final Verdict
With its potent formulation and rave reviews, Nootrum Mushroom Capsules are easily the top pick for anyone looking to elevate their health and performance.

2. Nootrum Mushroom Powder

The Mushroom Potency
Nootrum Powder combines the same powerhouse mushrooms as the capsules—Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga—but offers flexibility in how you take it. Perfect for mixing into coffee, smoothies, and so on. More importantly we've managed to standardize this now too. And we've got a load of other none mushroomy stuff in here for gut health and inflammation too. It took us quite a while to find a way to do this without dramatically raising the cost compared to our mainline mushroom supplements, so we hope you like the new blend.

Ingredient Sourcing
Just like its capsules, Nootrum Powder is sustainably sourced and dual-extracted to maximize potency and effectiveness and of course once again our mushroom extracts are standardized.

Customer Reviews

• Lisa H.: “I mix this into my morning smoothie, and it keeps me energized and focused all day. Love the clean ingredient list.”
• John T.: “I prefer powder over capsules, and this one is hands down the best I’ve tried.”

Final Verdict
If you’re looking for versatility, Nootrum Mushroom Powder delivers the same premium quality as their capsules with a customizable dosage.

3. Balance Coffee – Mushroom Elixir Drops

The Mushroom Potency

With a double-extraction process, these elixir drops offer high potency and deliver targeted health benefits depending on the mushroom chosen. Whether you want focus, stress relief, or an immune boost, there’s a drop for you. Now, it's worth noting that Reishi mushrooms do quite well in tinctures compared to the others. Lion's mane mushroom is the only one we don't recommend and that's because erinacines are particularly fragile when it comes to functional mushrooms and do break down in alcohol tinctures over time.

Ingredient Sourcing
Balance Coffee prides itself on sourcing top-quality mushrooms from England and using eco-friendly extraction processes to preserve nutrients.

Customer Reviews

• Julian: “Tried this with their dark roast blend, and it’s amazing. Great energy boost in the morning!”
• Anne-Marie: “I love how easy it is to use. A few drops in my coffee, and I’m good to go.”

Final Verdict
Balance Coffee’s Mushroom Elixir Drops are perfect for those who want to enhance their coffee routine with the health benefits of mushrooms.

4. NutriFlair Mushroom Supplement

The Mushroom Potency
What you're getting here is largely beta glucans, however it is just $20 a bottle, so when it comes to budget options this one is good. And the reality is it's pretty much impossible to do standardized extracts at this point. At least as far as we've seen you genuinely could not make it and include postage this cheap.

Final Verdict

NutriFlair is a solid budget-friendly option for those new to mushroom supplements. Of course they're not the most potent medicinal mushrooms, but they're $20 a bottle, even our bulk buys can't get things that low.

5. Laird Superfood Mushroom Coffee

The Mushroom Potency
With organic Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Cordyceps blended into high-quality Peruvian coffee beans, this is a great way to start your day with focus and energy. It's pretty similar to our current offering.... although watch this space, we'll genuinely have something better in the new year, as we'll be getting some impressive standardization, we're just running tests on how well the micro compounds survive after being made into coffee.

Final Verdict
A perfect choice for coffee lovers who want to combine their caffeine fix with the health benefits of mushroom suppplements.

6. FORCE FACTOR Modern Mushrooms

The Mushroom Potency:

This supplement includes 10 different mushrooms, each supposedly chosen for their unique health benefits, like boosting focus, supporting immunity, and even promoting relaxation. Now, without standardization, we're again coming down to beta glucans, you're not going to get the best of of a cordyceps extract like cordycepin, or triterpenoids from reishi mushrooms etc. But, it’s a good introduction for those new to mushroom supplements, though the lower dosages mean you might not see as pronounced results without consistent use.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly, transparent mushroom supplement, FORCE FACTOR does a solid job. However, if you’re chasing higher potency per mushroom, you might want to look elsewhere.

7. Naturelo Mushroom Supplement

The Mushroom Potency:

This blend includes some powerhouse mushrooms like Lion’s Mane for brain health, Reishi for relaxation and immunity, and Turkey Tail for a robust immune boost. Naturelo’s commitment to using organic mushrooms and sustainably sourced ingredients is a big plus for those who prioritize clean and natural products. But, again they're not standardized and they do push the traditional chinese medicine angle a bit hard in the marketing when we prefer to talk about the scientific research.

Final Verdict:

If you value organic, plant-based, and allergen-free supplements, Naturelo delivers a clean and effective formula. Just be aware of the larger capsule size if swallowing pills isn’t your favorite thing.

8. MushGooms Gummies

The Mushroom Potency

Mushgooms are solid for a mushroom gummy under $50 and yes we have a mushroom gummy too, but these guys are half the price. No they don't standardize for erinacines and cordycepin as well as we do, but they're half the price, they taste good and the brands been third party tested. When it comes to gummies there aren't a lot of good options for mushroom supplements, and we can say for certain it's not easy to make one. We've been trying for a while, and getting enough of the micro compounds in, at a reasonable price point is a challenge. Which is what makes Mushgooms a decent option.

Final Verdict
Ideal for gummy enthusiasts looking for a budget mushroom-infused gummy.

9. Quality of Life Kinoko Platinum AHCC

The Mushroom Potency:
The star here is AHCC, a highly specialized compound derived from hybridized mushrooms. It’s been extensively studied for its immune-boosting properties, particularly in supporting natural killer (NK) cells and overall immune system resilience. Now, AHCC is expensive, and the actual studied doses are generally twice or three times what these supplements recommend, this is typically an issue with AHCC in general. But, AHCC is quite expensive to produce. Although we do wish AHCC manufacturers didn't do this. (As an aside I've seen even Dr's get confused by this). The supplements typically recommend 500mg, but that's for general immune boosting. But if you want it for any specific illness, like HPV which it's often recommend for then you need 1,500–3,000mg. So be aware if you're using it for that you'll need to work out the dose yourself and not rely on the label of AHCC mushroom supplements.

Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a premium, research-backed supplement specifically targeting immune health, this is one of the best options on the market. However, the steep price means it’s best suited for those with a specific health goal or the budget to splurge.

References and Studies To Check Out

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus):
1. Mori, K., et al. (2009). "Improvement of mild cognitive impairment by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus." Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372.
2. Kawagishi, H., et al. (2008). "Erinacines stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis in vitro and promote neural repair." Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(6), 333-339.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis):
3. Chen, S., et al. (2010). "Effects of Cordyceps sinensis supplementation on exercise performance in healthy adults." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 42(1), 146-152.
4. Zhu, J. S., et al. (1998). "Cordycepin improves mitochondrial ATP synthesis and cellular energy production." Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 244(3), 697-702.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):
5. Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2011). "Ganoderma lucidum improves sleep and reduces stress in healthy adults." Planta Medica, 77(5), 393-398.
6. Gao, Y., et al. (2003). "Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on immune function in healthy volunteers." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 5(2), 111-118.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus):
7. Kim, H. J., et al. (2005). "Antioxidant activity of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)." Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(2), 230-236.
8. Xu, X., et al. (2017). "Effects of Chaga polysaccharides on gut microbiota and inflammation in mice." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 100.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor):
9. Ooi, V. E. C., & Liu, F. (2000). "Immune-stimulating effects of Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) polysaccharides." International Immunopharmacology, 1(4), 563-574.
10. Zhang, M., et al. (2018). "Prebiotic effects of polysaccharides from Trametes versicolor on gut microbiota." Food & Function, 9(4), 2157-2164.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa):
11. Hanafusa, T., et al. (2007). "Effects of Maitake extract on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes." Diabetes Care, 30(2), 204-209.
12. Kubo, K., et al. (1994). "Maitake SX-fraction improves lipid metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in mice." Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry, 5(5), 205-211.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes):
13. Breene, W. M. (1990). "Evaluation of Shiitake mushrooms for immune enhancement." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 29(4), 273-328.
14. Mattila, P., et al. (2000). "Cholesterol-lowering effects of eritadenine in humans and animals consuming Shiitake mushrooms." Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 46(2), 99-107.