L-Ergothioneine-rich mushrooms may fight depression, finds US study

“Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the amino acid L-ergothioneine – an anti-inflammatory which humans cannot synthesize,” says Djibril Ba, lead study author, department of public health sciences, Penn State College of Medicine.

“Having high levels of this may lower the risk of oxidative stress, which could also reduce the symptoms of depression.”

“The study adds to the growing list of possible health benefits of eating mushrooms,” confirms Joshua Muscat, researcher at Penn State Cancer Institute and professor of public health sciences.

According to the researchers mushrooms have previously been associated with various health advantages, such as lowering the risk of cancer and premature death.

Antioxidant and neurotrophic factors
L-Ergothioneine is an antioxidant that may protect against cell and tissue damage in the body. Separate studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent several mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.

White button mushrooms, which are the most commonly consumed mushroom variety in the US, contain potassium, which is believed to lower anxiety.Mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that may protect against cell and tissue damage in the body.

In addition, certain other species of edible mushrooms, especially Hericium Erinaceus, also known as Lion’s Mane, may stimulate the expression of neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor synthesis. This synthesis could have an impact on preventing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression.

Collecting data

This study utilized dietary and mental health data collected from over 24,000 American adults between 2005 and 2016. The average age of the surveyed participants was 45 years old, and the majority (66%) were non-Hispanic white. The researchers noted that non-Hispanic white women with a college education were more likely to consume mushrooms.

After taking into account sociodemographic characteristics, major risk factors, self-reported diseases, medication use, and other dietary factors, the researchers observed a significant association between mushroom consumption and a lower risk of depression. However, they indicated that a relatively higher intake of mushrooms did not show any obvious additional benefits.

The research team conducted a secondary analysis to see if replacing one serving of red meat or processed meat with one serving of mushrooms each day could reduce the risk of depression. However, the results showed that this substitution was not associated with a lower risk of depression.

Prior to this, few studies had examined the association between mushroom intake and depression, and most of them were clinical trials with fewer than 100 participants. The researchers were unable to determine the impact of specific types of mushrooms on depression.

Study limitations
The researchers noted some limitations that could be addressed in future studies. The data did not provide details on the types of mushrooms. As a result, the researchers could not determine the effects of specific types of mushrooms on depression.

Additionally, food codes issued by the US Department of Agriculture were used to determine mushroom intake. Therefore, some entries may have been misclassified or inaccurately recorded.

Adaptogen usage accelerates

Industry participants have shown interest in the potential of mushrooms, as these organisms offer a variety of solutions in the nutrition field. Last month, VidaCap launched VidaCap Mushroom Sleep Aid Capsules, which is a fungal-based formula containing Ganoderma lucidum and is designed to help improve sleep quality. VidaCap also offers pure mushroom formulas from other fungal species, including Cordyceps sinensis, Tricholoma mongolicum, and Lentinula edodes.

In April, Goldmine Adaptogen Powder was introduced, aiming to alleviate the stress and fatigue symptoms of the millennial generation. This powder is made by mixing five organic adaptogen herbs and mushrooms certified by the US Department of Agriculture, including Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, Indian ginseng, and Astragalus.

Meanwhile, NutritionInsight reported on the potential shift from immunity to mood health due to the COVID-19 pandemic.