If you’ve ever explored the subject of functional mushrooms, chances are you’ve come across phrases like “fruiting body” and “mycelium”. These terms refer to different parts of a mushroom.
What is the difference between a Mushroom Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium of a Mushroom?
The fruiting body represents the cap and stem parts of a fungi, and it is what is referred to as a mushroom. Mushrooms or fruiting bodies are what we tend to see growing above ground. On the flip side (literally) is the mycelium which is the root system made up of a network of connected filaments (hyphae) that root the fruiting body in place. We don’t commonly see the mycelium depicted, but you can think of them similarly to the roots of a tree, running deep and wide underground.
Fruiting bodies are loved for their dense nutrient content and are revered for the concentrated levels of beneficial health compounds unique to the mushroom kingdom. Depending on the situation, the mycelium of the mushroom can be more beneficial. An example of this would be cordyceps because the mycelium, not the fruiting body, is the part with the most available research to support its’ energizing benefits1.
Mushroom Extract: How to Add Functional Mushrooms to Your Routine
You may hear different sources refer to “mushroom extract” or “the whole mushroom”.
When you are looking to choose a functional mushroom product, you will find some featuring mycelium powders, and others that feature fruiting body mushroom extracts. The biggest differences between these two varieties are potency.
To experience the full health benefits functional mushrooms are known, we recommend using extracts. It is important to look at the label to confirm if the product is made with mushroom extracts which guarantee a percentage of one or more mushroom compounds. These compounds would be listed as a total % of beta-glucans, triterpenes, cordycepic acid, etc., and are markers of exceptional quality and potency.
How to Identify High-Quality Mushroom Supplement Ingredients
Look For: Total Dry Weight of the Fruiting Body
When searching for the best mushroom supplements, look on the label for the total dry weight of the fruiting body per serving. This means the dried weight will help you know how much of the mushroom fruiting body is needed in a serving before it is added to the supplement.
Look For: Organic and Sustainable Sources of Mushrooms
Even though it goes against what most wellness-lovers have learned, some of the highest quality mushrooms in the world are sourced from China.
Asian countries are where most functional mushrooms originate, meaning that they can thrive in those environments without having to expend additional resources like water or electricity. If you want to add a functional mushroom to your routine, do some research into that mushroom’s origin and you’ll know which location to look for on the supplements you’re considering.
Look For: Product Third Party Testing & Company Transparency
Third party lab testing of dietary supplement is the best way to ensure what is claimed in the Supplements Facts panel on the label, is what’s inside the bottle. Third-party labs also perform precise analytic tests to validate that the product passes tests for micro, heavy metals, and other possible contaminants such as mold.
To verify if a company relies on a certified third-party lab to test their products, first visit the company’s website, or read the packaging to see how transparent they are in offering product testing information in the form of a product Certificate of Analysis, also called a CoA or a link that takes you to one. If it is not available on the website, then reach out to the customer service department and ask if they will share the CoA with you.
Next Steps
Explore the 3 Mushrooms You Should Know when you download the Ultimate Guide to Functional Mushrooms or check out the Charlotte’s Web™ Mushroom Gummies.
