Adaptogenic mushroom supplements have quickly become a favourite in the wellness world. From boosting brain function with Lion’s Mane to supporting stress resilience with Reishi, more people than ever are turning to mushrooms for natural, long-term health support.
But as the popularity of these powerful fungi continues to grow, so does the confusion around what’s actually in the products on the shelf. Many well-intentioned shoppers - even those who prioritise high-quality supplements - may be unknowingly buying mushroom products that don’t contain the ingredients or potency they expect.
Let’s take a look behind the label and explore what’s really going on in the mushroom supplement space - so you can feel confident in what you’re giving yourself and your family.
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium: The Key Difference
One of the most important - and least understood - distinctions in mushroom supplements is the difference between fruiting body and mycelium.
Fruiting Body: This is the part of the mushroom that grows above ground - the visible “cap and stem” - and is traditionally used in herbal medicine. It’s typically rich in beta-glucans, triterpenes, and other beneficial compounds.
Mycelium: This is the root-like structure that lives underground or inside its growing medium. It plays an essential role in the life of a mushroom but is often grown on grains like rice, wheat, rye grain in lab settings for supplements.
Here’s where it gets tricky: many supplements on the market are made primarily from mycelium grown on grain, rather than the fruiting body. And because regulations allow both to be marketed as “mushroom”, it’s easy for consumers to assume they’re getting a full-spectrum, fruiting body product - when that may not be the case.
Why It Matters
While mycelium does contain some beneficial compounds, it tends to be significantly lower in key bioactive ingredients like beta-glucans when compared to the fruiting body. Additionally, mycelium grown on grain often contains a large percentage of the growing substrate (i.e. grains), which dilutes the final product and may not offer the same health benefits.
In fact, lab analyses of some popular mycelium-based products have shown high levels of starch and low levels of active compounds - a clear sign that the potency may not match the promises on the packaging.
For anyone looking to support cognitive health, immunity, or stress resilience, that difference in quality can really matter over time.
How to Read a Label: A Quick Guide
So, how can you tell the difference between a high-quality mushroom supplement and one thats mostly filler? Here are a few things to look out for.
Look for:
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“Fruiting body” clearly listed as the source
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Descriptions like “hot water extract” or “dual extract”
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Extraction ratio & mushroom content (please note, mushroom tincture extractions are different to mushroom powder - if you want to know the difference: Lean More Here)
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Transparent sourcing and ingredients information
Watch Out For:
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“Mycelium on grain” or “mycelial biomass” as the main ingredient
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High polysaccharide percentages without mentioning beta-glucans (high polysaccharide content can come from starches - the grain or other substrate the mycelium grew on)
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Lack of clarity on the extraction method or sourcing (extraction is necessary to release all beneficial compounds from the mushrooms - Learn More Here)
Being aware of these distinctions can help you get the most out of your supplement routine - especially if you’re investigating mushrooms as part of a long-term wellness strategy.
Why The Confusion Exists
Many companies choose to use the mycelium on grain because it’s more cost-effective and easier to scale. Fruiting body mushrooms take longer to grow and require specialised extraction methods, which can drive up to production costs.
Unfortunately, that means some brands prioritise convenience and profitability over potency and transparency - even while promoting their products as premium or therapeutic-grade.
To be clear: not all mycelium-based products are bad. Some are thoughtfully produced and tested for active compounds. But in many cases, the amount of grain left in the product reduces the effectiveness significantly, especially if the supplement isn’t properly extracted or tested. Another thing to note is that mycelium grows tightly through and around the substrate (grain, corn etc.). The nature of its growth makes it difficult to separate from each other.
For Families & Wellness Seekers: Why Quality Matters
If you’re someone who's focused on preventative health, natural solutions, or supporting your family with clean, effective products, knowing what is in your mushroom supplement is especially important.
Whether it’s enhancing memory, improving sleep, supporting immune function, or balancing stress, the benefits of mushrooms are well-documented - when the product contains the right parts of the mushroom in the right form.
Investing in a high-quality supplement ensures that you’re actually getting the functional compounds you’re looking for - and not just a capsule or powder full of grain-based filler.
How To Make Better Choices
Here’s a quick checklist to help you make more informed decisions when shopping for mushroom supplements:
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Choose fruiting body extracts over mycelium where possible
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Look for transparency around ingredients, extraction methods and testing
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Ask questions - reputable companies aim for full transparency and ensure to answer questions with informative and insightful replies.
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Avoid vague labels or ones that don’t clearly explain the ingredients and extraction methods.
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Trust your instincts - if something feels unclear or too good to be true, it’s worth investigating.
The Bottom Line
Functional and adaptogenic mushrooms can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine - but only if the supplement you’re using is delivering what it claims. By understanding how mushroom products are made and what to look for, you can make more confident choices for yourself and your family.
Empowered wellness starts with informed decisions. And when it comes to your health, clarity and quality are everything.
Get In Touch
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If you have any questions or need personalised advice, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at hello@mogofarm.co.uk or use our contact form.
Reference List
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Jin, M., Huang, Q., Zhao, K., Shang, P. and Song, H., 2011. Bioactives of Fruiting Bodies and Submerged Culture Mycelia of Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 13(3), pp.289–297. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643811003732 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
Giavasis, I., 2023. The Mushroom Glucans: Molecules of High Biological and Medicinal Relevance. Foods, [online] 12(5), p.1009. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/5/1009 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
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Wu, D.T., Lv, G.P., Shah, N.P. and Zhao, J., 2017. Evaluation on Quality Consistency of Ganoderma lucidum Dietary Supplements Collected in the United States. Scientific Reports, 7, p.7792. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-06336-3 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
Jayachandran, M., Xiao, J. and Xu, B., 2021. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 117, pp.60–82. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826851/ [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
Stamets, P., Hobbs, C., and Rogers, R., 2020. Three Popular Medicinal Mushroom Supplements: A Review of Human Clinical Trials. McIlvainea: Journal of American Amateur Mycology, 30(1), pp.1–12. Available at: https://namyco.org/publications/mcilvainea-journal-of-american-amateur-mycology/three-popular-medicinal-mushroom-supplements-a-review-of-human-clinical-trials/ [Accessed 13 Apr. 2025].
