Rough intake guidelines for functional mushrooms

Here are rough intake guidelines for functional mushrooms: Each athlete has different needs, of course. And, there is no official regulatory agency that has determined any sort of recommended daily dosage. Based on our own experience as professional athletes, as well as reading all the research that's out there, and consulting with all the professional trainers, nutritionists, and athletes that we know, we have a solid point of view on it. Please use this three-point set of guidelines as an input, and also work with your own healthcare professional to figure out what works best for you.

Take a meaningful amount: About 300 mg – 1,000 mg per functional mushroom per day

How much is enough functional mushrooms? You should look for that Goldilocks dose — not too much, but not too little either. For us, depending on the source of the mushrooms and quality of the extraction and production methods used, a meaningful amount of functional mushrooms is at least 300 mg of one functional mushroom on any given day. If the dose is more than 300 mg, so much the better, but only up to a point. More than 1,000 mg starts to see diminishing returns for the average person, in our experience. 

Be on the lookout. Far too many products out there on the market today just sprinkle in 20 mg or 50 mg of, say, Lion's Mane into their product, just because they think that it's trendy or that it will sell better. While we could not be bigger fans of what Lion's Mane can do, that amount is just not enough of it to do any good, if you ask us. 

Take enough per day: At least 2,000 mg total intake of functional mushrooms daily

We suggest getting at least 2,000 mg of functional mushrooms daily — in whatever combination of types and formats of mushrooms that makes sense to you. You know your sport, abilities, routines, needs and goals better than anyone else.

For example, this could mean taking 1,000 mg of two different mushroom tinctures as a part of your daily routine. Or it could mean eating a single energy bar containing 500 mg of each of five different mushrooms, for a 2,500 mg total intake. 

Take them regularly, as a part of your routine

For best results, use functional mushrooms consistently over time. While many people feel effects from functional mushrooms right away, the most significant and lasting benefits come with consistent use over time. Regular intake allows the body to accumulate and use the active compounds more effectively, leading to sustained improvements in performance and recovery.

For example, the immune-modulating effects of functional mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga become more pronounced with ongoing use, offering more robust immune support. Similarly, Lion's Mane provides cumulative benefits in cognitive function, while Cordyceps does the same with cumulative benefits in energy levels. Consistent use also helps in reducing inflammation overall and maintaining the body’s balance.