Evidence supporting the use of: Mushroom (various)
For the health condition: Body Building
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mushrooms, particularly varieties such as Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, and Lion’s Mane, have gained popularity in the fitness and bodybuilding communities. The scientific rationale for their use centers on their bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine, which are believed to support immune function, reduce fatigue, and enhance recovery. In particular, Cordyceps has been studied for its potential to increase ATP production and improve exercise performance. Small-scale clinical trials have shown modest improvements in VO2 max and endurance in some populations, though results are not consistent across all studies. Other varieties, like Reishi and Shiitake, have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal models, which could theoretically aid recovery; however, direct evidence in bodybuilders or athletes remains limited.
Overall, while mushrooms are rich in nutrients and some studies suggest they may offer mild benefits related to energy, endurance, or recovery, the evidence is not robust or specific to muscle hypertrophy or strength gains. Most claims are extrapolated from basic science or small human trials with mixed outcomes. As such, mushrooms may offer minor supportive benefits for bodybuilders, but they should not be considered a primary ergogenic aid based on current scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Body Building
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
almond fruit
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
wheat germ
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
17a-di methyl-bol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Anti-aromatase
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Ba Ji Tian
banana
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Citrus
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Eurycomanone
Egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Fadogia agrestis
Forskolin
glucose
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Mushroom (various)
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Body Building
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)