The Top Lion’s Mane Supplements of 2024

By: DTW Health Advisory Board

This website is owned and operated by Stingray Direct. Stingray Direct is the distributor of Stonehenge Health products and may receive compensation from companies featured when you purchase through the provided links.

what to avoid?

what to look for?

top products

One of the fastest-rising supplement categories today is mushrooms. Traditional Chinese practice has used mushrooms for thousands of years to detoxify the body and provide overall well-being and longevity.1

Modern science has recently unraveled the mystery behind how these fungi work to support memory, focus, cognitive health, immune system function, energy, feelings of happiness and motivation, and healthy digestion. 

This new popularity has led to hundreds of mushroom supplements flooding the marketplace. While these supplements all promise to deliver benefits, the reality is that too many fall short.

Some of the most popular brands use ineffective forms or insufficient levels of mushrooms. Others use mushrooms that do not have enough scientific evidence to support their claims. To make matters worse, we found that some popular mushroom supplements don’t even contain actual mushrooms.

How To Pick A Good Mushroom 
Supplement & Avoid The Junk

With so many options, many of us might still be unclear about what to look for in a quality mushroom supplement. To help cut through the clutter, we have compiled months of research about the key mushrooms shown in studies to offer real benefits.

This short guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision regarding your mushroom supplement needs.

Mushrooms: What Are They All About?

Natural mushrooms contain polysaccharides, antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, and digestive enzymes. Mushrooms also contain a specific type of soluble fiber found in their cell walls called beta-glucans (β-glucan). Researchers have discovered that beta-glucans offer a wide range of health benefits including support for immune system function, support cognitive function, and ease of feelings of stress.2-5

a good mushroom supplement works to:

Help Promote Memory and Focus6-8

Support Healthy Cognitive Function9

Promote Optimal Immune System Function10

Helps Ease Acute Inflammation11

Support Healthy Blood Sugar12

Helps Support Healthy Nerve Cells13

Support Healthy Energy, Stamina, and Physical Performance14

Helps Ease Fatigue and Irritability15
Title

4 Things To AVOID

When Buying A Mushroom Supplement

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1. mycellium

Mushroom supplement manufacturers use one of two different forms of mushrooms in their formula. The first type is the actual mushroom cap, and stem called the fruiting body. The second type is mycelium, and you should generally avoid it. If you think about a flower, mycelium is the root system, and the fruiting bodies are the actual flower part and stem, in this case, the mushroom caps and stems.

 

Manufacturers who use mycelium will grow these roots on top of a grain substrate, mostly rice or oats. Once mycelium roots grow, the roots and substrate become intertwined and are impossible to separate. Formulas containing mycelium consist of about half roots and half rice or oats filler. Some manufacturers use mycelium because they can mass produce it as it only takes one week to mature. 

 

Compare that to fruiting bodies, a more expensive growing process that takes anywhere from two months to several years. We prefer the fruiting bodies as they are the pure form of mushrooms with no filler or by-products.15,16

 

If you are looking for an actual “mushroom” supplement that does not have unwanted fillers, avoid formulas that use mycelium.

 

Look for the words, “fruiting body” clearly listed on the ingredient lists. 

2. powders

Mushrooms can come in either powder or extract form. A mushroom powder means that the mushroom was dried and then ground into a fine powder. Manufacturers may use powders since they are a cheap way to produce a supplement, but they may also provide the consumer with fewer health benefits. The reason is, the essential part of the mushrooms, the beta-glucans, need to be “extracted” from the cell walls of a mushroom. That’s what makes an extract more potent than powder.

 

Look for, extract, clearly listed on the ingredient list.

3. relying on amazon reviews

Research showed that in March 2019, there were 1.8 million new unverified reviews, with an average of 99.6% of them being 5-star reviews.17  We can suspect many of these reviews are from people paid to write them. We can also suspect many of these fake reviews inflate the number and overall star rating of a product. When deciding on a supplement that can impact your health, don’t just rely on Amazon reviews as they don’t always show the true benefits of a product or if that customer actually purchased and used the product. 

4. insufficient return policy

A reputable mushroom supplement brand will demonstrate they have faith in their product by offering a 100% money-back guarantee policy. Some try to complicate their refund policies by placing limitations on what kind of returns they will take. Avoid any brand that does not have at minimum a no-questions-asked 90-day money-back guarantee.

Which Mushrooms are Best?

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When it comes to mushrooms, not all are created equal. Of the over 10,000 different mushroom varieties, only a handful have substantial research supporting health benefits. Below are the ones we feel can give you real results.

LION’S MANE

Lion’s mane is a large, white mushroom, that as it grows, has a shaggy appearance that resembles a lion’s mane. Studies have demonstrated that lion’s mane helps increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) levels, which protects cognitive function and supports memory.18 While lion’s mane is best known for supporting memory and concentration, studies show it can reduce irritability well.19 Several studies have also indicated that lion’s mane has immune-boosting benefits. Lion’s mane can bolster our defenses by helping to stimulate gut bacteria to trigger the immune system.20,21

CHAGA

Chaga has been used for centuries throughout the world to help support immune function. White blood cells are the immune system's first line of defense. Studies have shown that the Chaga mushroom regulates a protein known as cytokines, which stimulates white blood cell production.22 This antioxidant-rich mushroom contains high amounts of zinc, which helps promote a healthy immune system.23

MAITAKE

Maitake has long been hailed in Asia as a mushroom with vast ancient medicinal uses. The Japanese love this mushroom so much that upon discovering it, they named it Maitake, which means “dancing mushroom” as they were thrilled with its health benefits. Maitake is considered a type of adaptogen. It helps the body achieve optimal balance by helping you adapt to better physical and mental stress that you may experience.24 Studies show it can be of benefit to those who suffer from fatigue.25 Recent studies have shown that Maitake can help activate cells that promote the immune system’s natural killer cells and T cells to further bolster a healthy immune system.26

REISHI

Reishi has become one of the most popular mushrooms to help support a state of calmness. Reishi contains a potent amount of the active compound triterpene, shown in studies to help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood and mental focus.27,28 The triterpene found in Reishi has also been shown in studies to enhance immune system response by helping increase white blood cells’ activity in the form of natural killer cells that promote a healthy immune system function.29,30

SHIITAKE

Shiitake mushrooms, primarily grown in Japan, are loved worldwide for their superb taste and coveted for thousands of years by those looking to promote longevity and help with acute inflammation. What makes shiitake mushrooms so effective is that they are a great source of B vitamins and have pathogen-protecting properties.31-33 They can also support weight management. A study published in the Journal of Obesity showed that shiitake could help maintain weight and the build-up of fat.34 Even more, a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that shiitake can help support healthy immune function and promote cell function and gut health.35
Title

Top 3 Criteria For A Quality

Mushroom Supplement

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We spent months researching mushroom supplements. There are specific ingredients that, when present in a formula, can help differentiate high-quality mushroom supplements from generic ones. Below are the four essential ingredients to look for when deciding which mushroom supplement is right for you.

#1 Extracts

Before purchasing any mushroom supplement, be sure to look at the supplement facts section of the label, which will indicate the type of mushrooms used and if they are in an extract or powder form. Look for a mushroom supplement that uses extracts and not powders to have higher potency and deliver better results. Another advantage that extracts have over powders is that the body can more readily utilize extracts as they are a pure form. Mushroom powders contain an indigestible fiber called chitin, which gets passed through the body as waste, taking with it much of the vital beta-glucans. Most labels will indicate how potent an extract is by displaying the concentration in the form of a ratio, such as “4:1 Extract 100 mg,” which is equivalent to 400 mg (4 x 100 mg) of dried mushroom powder.

#2 Dosage

If you want to achieve optimal results, it is important to select a supplement that has both the correct mushrooms and the proper dosages. For Lion’s Mane, recognized for promoting cognitive performance, we recommend a daily dosage of at least 750 mg in “extract form” or 3,000 mg in powder form. For the other top mushrooms on our list, look for a formula containing each individually in a daily dosage of at least 80 mg in “extract form” or 320 mg in powder form.

#3 Fruiting Bodies

Always choose a supplement that has next to each mushroom’s name, the words “fruiting body.” Avoid mushroom supplements with “myceliated grain” in the ingredients or some variation of the word “mycelium.”


The fruiting body is the actual mushroom cap and stem. Mycelium is the root system of a mushroom grown on top of a grain substrate resulting in a supplement that is about 50% roots, 50% filler, and 0% real mushroom. This is often added because mycelium is cheaper and faster to produce than waiting for a whole proper mushroom to grow. The problem is that the fruiting body is where most of the beta-glucans, the beneficial compounds of a mushroom, are found. A study analyzing the concentration of beta-glucans in both fruiting bodies and mycelia showed that fruiting bodies have up to 100% more beta-glucans than mushrooms grown on a mycelium base.36 This study lends further support to a separate study published in the journal Food Chemistry which indicated that fruiting bodies have as much as 2.5 times the amount of beta-glucans than mycelia.37 To achieve peak results, we recommend selecting a supplement that uses only fruiting bodies.
Title

How We Evaluated Our Mushroom Supplement Recommendations

types of mushrooms

With hundreds of varieties of mushrooms, we looked for brands that included mushrooms that have substantial research supporting their health benefits

forms of mushrooms

The form of mushroom used can greatly affect how effective the supplement is, so we looked for products with what research has shown as the most effective forms of mushrooms

potency

We noticed some brands don’t contain the required potent doses of mushrooms to substantiate their claims. We looked for brands that included mushrooms at the dosage necessary to be clinically impactful.

ease of use

When choosing a supplement, we know it will become part of your everyday routine, so it needs to be easy to take. We looked for a reasonable capsule serving per day (two or fewer) and a 60-day or more satisfaction guarantee.

2024 Mushroom Support Buying Guide

Advertisement sponsored by Stingray Direct, the distributor of Stonehenge Health products.

Pros

Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Reishi, & Shiitake

100% Fruiting Bodies & 1,400 mg in the Formula

Extracts with a Potent 4:1 Concentration

Endorsed by a Doctor

Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free

Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy

Cons

Often out of stock due to high demand

why we approved

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Mushrooms tops the recommended list because the supplement blends all five essential mushroom varieties, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Reishi, and Shiitake, into one formula.
 

Dynamic Mushrooms uses 100% extracts with a potent 4:1 concentration, delivering a daily dose of 1,400 mg, the equivalent of approximately 5,600 mg of mushroom powder. Each mushroom in this formula is derived from a fruiting body that studies show has superior amounts of beta-glucans compared to mycelium. We were happy to see that the Lion’s Mane mushroom 4:1 extract has a dosage of 1,000 mg, which exceeds our minimum recommended dosage of 750 mg. With the correct mushrooms at the proper dosages, Dynamic Mushrooms has what it takes to help support cognitive performance, a robust immune system, and other essential health benefits.
 

We were able to verify that Stonehenge Health’s formula does not contain any fillers such as rice or oats commonly found in brands that use mycelium. It was also great to see that Dynamic Mushrooms is non-GMO and uses vegetarian capsules. Stonehenge Health backs its products with a no-questions-asked, 90-day money-back guarantee and is one of the few brands to be endorsed by a board-certified doctor. We also like that they offer customers discounts on bundles. Click on the link below to see their current specials.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

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four sigmatic mushroom 
blend defend

researched

Pros
Title

10 Mushroom Blend

100% Fruiting Bodies with Extracts

Vegan and Gluten-Free

90-day return policy

Cons
Title

No extract concentration listed

Insufficient amount of Lion’s Mane mushroom

Requires mixing with water

User complaints related to taste and number of servings per container

Four Sigmatic Mushroom Blend Defend is a popular product that contains ten different mushrooms from fruiting bodies. A big plus is that this formula uses extracts, but we would have preferred to see them list the extracts’ concentration to understand the potency better.
 

While Four Sigmatic includes all five of our top mushrooms, when it comes to Lion’s Mane, one of the essential mushrooms for brain and immune health, they fell short by only offering a 150 mg dose. This dosage is significantly lower than our minimum recommended 750 mg and far lower than the first recommended brand on this list, which has 1,000 mg of Lion’s Mane in a 4:1 extract.
 

This product comes in powder form, which could be a great fit for those who enjoy mixing a daily concoction. We tend to prefer the capsule form of supplements as they are more convenient to take and help ensure that you stay on your daily regimen for optimal results. A common complaint amongst users is that, even when stored in the container provided, the powder quickly forms into a dense brick, making it unusable. Users have also reported the product having an undesirable musky taste.
 

It was good to see that Four Sigmatic offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. A recurring issue amongst Four Sigmatic users is related to the 30 servings the product packaging claims with some users having expressed frustration that they were only able to get 15 servings per package. 

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Four Sigmatic is a registered trademark of Funguys, Inc.

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real mushrooms 5 defenders

researched

Pros
Title

Contains four out of our top 5 mushrooms

100% Fruiting Bodies with Extracts

1,000 mg formula

Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

Does not Contain Lion’s Mane

Unclear how much of each mushroom in the formula

No extract concentration listed

30-Day return policy limited to unopened bottles

Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders contain five different mushroom varieties intended to help support an improved immune system and overall well-being. We liked that this formula includes four of our top five recommended mushrooms. However, the formula is lacking our top-ranking mushroom, Lion’s Mane. We see many manufacturers leave out Lion’s Mane as it’s an expensive ingredient, and suggest those companies may be more focused on their profit margins. Our biggest concern with Real Mushrooms is that they use a proprietary blend, which makes it impossible to know the amount per serving for each mushroom. Real Mushroom backs its product with a minimal 30-day refund period, which only applies to unopened bottles. This formula uses a vegetarian capsule and is non-GMO.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Real Mushrooms is a registered trademark of North American Reishi Ltd

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genius mushrooms

researched

Pros
Title

Contains two of our top 5 mushrooms

Vegetarian Capsules, Organic, Non-GMO, & Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

Contains mycelium, not from Fruiting Bodies

Whole powder form, not extracts

Consumer complaints of gastrointestinal discomfort

Conflicting return policies

Genius Mushroom by The Genius Brand is a popular and low-priced product that contains three different mushrooms. At first glance, this product might seem like a tremendous bargain, however, Genius Mushroom uses mushrooms in powder form, not extracts, and grown on mycelium, not fruiting bodies.41 These aspects make it cheaper to produce but may be less effective. Studies have shown that mushrooms grown on a mycelium base have about half the beta-glucans, the compound found to deliver health benefits, compared to mushrooms from fruiting bodies. It was good to see that this product uses organic mushrooms and vegetarian capsules. Some consumers have reported mixed reviews, and others had gastrointestinal discomfort from using the product. The return policy for Genius Mushroom is unclear as their website product page indicates a 30-day return policy, but elsewhere on the site indicates 90 days.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. 
Genius Mushrooms is a registered trademark of Pacificnorthwest Naturals, LLC

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host defense mycommunity®

researched

Pros
Title

17 Mushroom Blend

90-day return policy

Certified Organic, Non-GMO, & Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

Powder from raw mycelium

Low dosage per mushroom

Contains Grain Filler

Consumer complaints of allergy issues

If you look at the descriptions of Provitalize by Better Body Co., it claims their Natural Menopause Probiotic can support digestive health, weight, metabolism, joints, sugar cravings, and five symptoms of menopause with the ingredients, probiotics, Black Pepper, Turmeric, and Curry Leaf. While these four ingredients all have health benefits, this looks to be a formula labeled for menopause with no true menopause-supporting ingredients. It seems as if this company simply added the word “menopause” onto an already existing probiotic, letting customers assume this was a product created specifically to help women through menopause.  After further investigation, it looks as if Provitalize is making menopause claims and trying to use the inclusion of curcumin to substantiate them. However, the only study35 they are using to substantiate their menopause claims admits that curcumin doesn’t help in menopause. This is probably why many users have reported having no real results when taking Provitalize. We recommend avoiding brands with claims that seem too good to be true. 

 

Another indication that they have capitalized on a growing menopause market is that even with all their advertising geared towards this product helping women “fight menopause,” their frequently asked questions page states, “Provitalize works for men just as well as for women,” leading us to believe this company markets to women but included no ingredients unique to women’s menopause health needs.

 

We appreciate that Provitalize has three clinically studied probiotic strains, only one of which, L. Gasseri, has been shown to help with weight loss; therefore, it can be effective for hormonal weight management during menopause.

 

However, what was most troublesome about this brand was their 41 complaints on Better Business Bureau (BBB) last year, which gave us some major pause for concern. 

 

Instead, we recommend finding a company that has taken the time to develop a supplement specifically for menopause.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Host Defense is a registered trademark of TURTLE BEAR HOLDINGS, LLC

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Citations
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