John Miller
Mushroom gummies are supplements made from dehydrated, powdered mushrooms and a gelling agent. They are marketed as having various health benefits, such as boosting immunity and energy levels, improving focus and memory, and reducing inflammation. However, there have been concerns about the safety of these products, with some people experiencing side effects such as allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, and severe hallucinations. In some cases, mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal hallucinogens and psychoactive cannabinoids. As a result, health authorities have issued warnings about the potential risks associated with consuming these products. Despite these concerns, some customers find mushroom gummies to be a tasty and convenient way to incorporate the perceived benefits of mushrooms into their daily routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Boosted immunity, improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, increased energy, improved skin, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, reduced stress |
| Side Effects | Allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, stomach irritation, cramps, nausea, diarrhea |
| Safety Concerns | May contain undisclosed ingredients, including illegal substances, other adulterants, or harmful contaminants; may interfere with other medications |
| Types of Mushrooms | Reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, chaga, maitake, shiitake, turkey tail, white button, black fungus, royal sun |
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What You'll Learn
Health Benefits
While mushroom gummies are a convenient and palatable option, it is important to consult a medical professional before adding them to your diet. If you experience any side effects, such as allergic reactions or stomach discomfort, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Mushroom gummies are created from functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, due to their health benefits beyond simple nutrition. These functional mushrooms are rich in beta-glucan polysaccharides, terpenoids, fiber, proteins, and micronutrients, including B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and potassium. They are also a low-calorie option.
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushrooms have been used in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea for their culinary and medicinal properties. They are known for their neuroprotective properties and ability to support memory, focus, and nerve health. They contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate brain cell growth. Additionally, they have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice and prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques. Lion's Mane may also help reduce health risks associated with obesity by decreasing inflammation in fat tissue.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and are now used to boost the immune system after cancer treatment. They have also shown promise in studies of mice as a sleep promoter and anxiety reducer.
Cordyceps and Chaga
Cordyceps and Chaga mushrooms are believed to offer unique health benefits. They may boost immune function by activating white blood cells, increase energy levels by improving oxygen flow, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, Chaga mushrooms can affect blood sugar levels, which is important for individuals with diabetes.
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Side Effects
Mushroom gummies are supplements made from dehydrated, powdered mushrooms and a gelling agent. They are often marketed as having health benefits, such as boosting energy levels, improving cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. However, consuming mushroom gummies can also have several side effects and health risks.
Firstly, mushroom gummies are not regulated, and they may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances. For example, some mushroom gummies have been found to contain illegal hallucinogens such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to "bad trips" and other mental health issues. Other unlisted ingredients found in mushroom gummies include caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom, which can cause opioid dependence. These undisclosed ingredients pose serious public health risks, and people who have consumed these gummies have experienced hallucinations, altered mental status, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal upset.
Secondly, even without the presence of undisclosed substances, mushroom gummies can cause allergic reactions or stomach discomfort, such as gas or diarrhea. Some mushroom varieties may also cause stomach irritation. It is recommended to try whole mushrooms of each variety individually before consuming them in gummy form to observe how your body reacts.
Thirdly, specific types of mushrooms in the gummies may interact with certain medications. For instance, reishi mushrooms may interfere with blood clotting, while cordyceps and chaga mushrooms can affect blood sugar levels, which is dangerous for those on insulin or diabetes medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional before consuming mushroom gummies, especially if you are on other prescribed medications.
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Regulation
Mushroom gummies are part of the emerging "healthy high" industry, which offers products that are said to increase mental alertness and focus. However, the regulatory landscape surrounding mushroom gummies is complex and ambiguous, with varying degrees of oversight and enforcement across different jurisdictions.
In the United States, the legality and regulation of mushroom gummies hinge on the type of mushroom used. "Magic mushrooms" and "functional mushrooms" are the two primary categories, each with distinct chemical properties, uses, and regulatory frameworks. Magic mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, are classified as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act, making their possession, sale, and distribution illegal at the federal level. In contrast, functional mushroom gummies are generally legal across the country, provided they adhere to the FDA's regulations for dietary supplements.
However, the regulatory grey area arises when brands selling psilocybin products navigate this legal landscape by employing vague language and coded packaging. They avoid explicit mentions of "psilocybin" or "magic mushrooms," opting instead for suggestive terms like "mushroom blend" or psychedelic designs. This intentional ambiguity allows them to bypass scrutiny from regulatory authorities and advertising platform restrictions.
The regulatory ambiguity is further exacerbated by the lack of clear categorization of "mushroom edibles" in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA has not explicitly stated whether mushroom edibles should be regulated as dietary supplements, foods, or drugs, leaving manufacturers with significant leeway. This lack of regulatory clarity has resulted in a proliferation of products that may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful or illegal ingredients, as evidenced by cases of hospitalizations and adverse reactions to mushroom gummies.
In Australia, the situation is similar, with mushroom gummies falling into a legal grey area. While the country has specific regulatory requirements, such as the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, products manufactured overseas may not be subject to the same level of scrutiny or regulation. This loophole allows companies to market their products with loose interpretations and euphemisms, potentially misleading consumers and evading regulatory oversight.
The absence of robust regulation in the mushroom gummy industry has led to concerns about product safety and consumer protection. Researchers and experts emphasize the need for accurate labelling, highlighting cases where products claimed to be cannabinoid-free were found to contain psychoactive cannabinoids. The presence of undisclosed substances, such as psilocybin and psilocin, poses a potential risk to public health, especially when these products are easily accessible in retail shops and online.
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Types of Mushrooms Used
Mushroom gummies are often marketed as containing medicinal mushrooms, which have been used in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and other regions for hundreds of years. However, the specific types of mushrooms used in these gummies are not always accurately disclosed. In some cases, illegal and potentially harmful substances have been found in mushroom gummies, including the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have a long history of use in Chinese medicine and are known for their potential immune-boosting and anti-anxiety properties. They have also been studied for their potential to promote sleep and reduce stress. However, they may interfere with blood clotting, so caution is advised, especially for those on certain medications.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms are another type of functional mushroom believed to offer unique health benefits. They are known for their potential neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties, and some research suggests they may help with reducing inflammation and improving overall brain health.
Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps mushrooms are often included in mushroom gummies due to their potential energy-boosting and immune-supporting effects. They are also believed to improve oxygen flow in the body and reduce oxidative stress and fatigue. However, it is important to approach cordyceps gummies with caution, especially for those with diabetes, as they may affect blood sugar levels.
Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms are known for their high antioxidant content and potential immune-boosting properties. They have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, similar to cordyceps, chaga mushrooms can influence blood sugar levels, so caution is advised for individuals with diabetes or those taking insulin.
Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a type of mushroom with a long history of medicinal and cultural significance. While it is not as commonly used as a hallucinogen as other mushrooms, it has been used for microdosing and is believed to help with anxiety, sleep, and even more serious issues like addiction. However, it can cause undesired side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures. Amanita muscaria-containing gummies have been found to contain unlisted substances, including the illegal hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin, which have led to hospitalizations.
It is important to note that the presence of these mushrooms in gummies does not guarantee their safety. Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal hallucinogens and opioids. It is always advisable to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before consuming any mushroom-based products, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
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Taste and Customer Reviews
While mushroom gummies are often touted as tasty treats with health benefits, they have also been linked to severe illnesses and hospitalisations. The taste and health benefits of mushroom gummies vary depending on the brand and the type of mushroom used. Some popular brands include Om, Plant People, and Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies.
Taste
Mushroom gummies are designed to taste like candy or fruit, masking the earthy flavour of the mushrooms they contain. For example, Plant People's WonderDay Mushroom Gummies are raspberry-flavoured and avoid an earthy flavour despite being made with a blend of eight functional mushrooms, including lion's mane and turkey tail. Similarly, Om's Master Blend Mushroom Gummies have a fruity flavour, though the specific fruit flavour is not mentioned.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of mushroom gummies are mixed. On the one hand, some customers report positive experiences, praising the taste and convenience of the gummies, as well as claiming improved energy levels, stress relief, and better moods. On the other hand, there have been several reports of adverse effects, including hallucinations, altered mental status, tachycardia, gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures. In some cases, customers had to be hospitalised due to these adverse effects, leading to the recall of certain mushroom gummy brands, such as Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies.
It is important to note that the effects of mushroom gummies are not always immediate, and it may take a month of consistent use to experience the full range of benefits claimed by the manufacturers.
Safety Concerns
While non-hallucinogenic functional mushrooms have been associated with various health benefits, including improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and increased energy levels, it is important to approach mushroom gummies with caution. Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal hallucinogens, caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom (an herb with opioid-like effects). These unlisted ingredients can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals taking certain medications or those with allergies. Therefore, it is recommended to do your research, pay attention to product quality and buy from reputable sources. Consulting a healthcare professional before consuming mushroom gummies is also advisable, especially if you are on other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom gummies are supplements made from dehydrated, powdered mushrooms and a gelling agent. They are marketed as having health benefits, such as improved cognitive function, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Side effects of eating mushrooms are usually mild but can include allergic reactions or stomach discomfort. It is important to do your research before trying mushroom gummies, especially if you are on other medications. Some mushroom gummies have been found to contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including illegal hallucinogens and opioids.
Mushroom gummies are believed to offer unique health benefits depending on the type of mushroom. For example, reishi mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine to boost the immune system and promote sleep and are now being used to boost the immune system after cancer treatment.
Mushroom gummies are available from online retailers such as Amazon and from smoke shops and gas stations.
Customers have found mushroom gummies to be a great value, with some noting that they are a lower-cost way to get their daily dose of mushrooms.
