Mushroom Supplements – Why the Part You Use Matters
When we talk about herbs, we often ask: Which part is best – roots, leaves, or flowers?
It’s worth asking the same question about mushrooms, because the “mushroom” you see in a supplement isn’t always the part you think it is.
A mushroom is just one visible stage of a much larger organism. To understand your supplements better, it helps to know which part of the mushroom you’re getting – and why it matters.
The Parts of a Mushroom
Like plants, mushrooms have distinct structures that work together to keep the organism alive.
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Fruiting body – the visible “mushroom” that grows above ground (or above its growing surface). In nature, its job is to release spores, much like a flower releases seeds. This is the part most people think of when they picture a mushroom.
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Mycelium – an underground or hidden network of thread-like structures that gathers nutrients. You can think of it as the “root system” of the fungus.
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Other features – some mushrooms also have a cap, stem, ring (a leftover veil from when the mushroom was developing), and a base covering called a volva. Not all fungi fit the classic “stalk-and-cap” shape – there are many forms and varieties.
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
Both mycelium and fruiting bodies are used in supplements, but they’re not the same.
Fruiting bodies naturally contain compounds such as beta-glucans and triterpenes in higher concentrations than mycelium. They’re also the only part exposed to sunlight, which means they can naturally contain Vitamin D.
Mycelium, on the other hand, grows away from light and can be cultivated on grain or other substrates, which means the final material may also contain parts of that growing medium.
That’s why many people look for supplements made from the fruiting body rather than mycelium.
Choosing a Quality Mushroom Supplement
If you’re exploring functional mushrooms, here are some points to check:
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Fruiting body use – does the product specify which part of the mushroom is used?
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Testing and transparency – does the brand measure beta-glucan levels and check for contaminants?
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Growing methods – are the mushrooms organically grown?
The Grass & Co. Approach
At Grass & Co., we use only the mushroom’s fruiting body in our natural mushroom supplements. We blend them with carefully chosen botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to complement their natural profile – and make it easy to build into your daily routine.
Our ranges – RELAX, FOCUS, DREAM, BIOME, and POWER – are named to help you choose the combination that works best for you.
Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented are not intended for medical use, nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other wellness programme.