Chewable mushroom supplements offer many valuable health benefits, but are mushroom gummies safe? Even if they are considered safe, are there people who should not take mushroom gummies? Whether you have questions about side effects, drug interactions, allergies, or the potential for addiction, we’re here to settle your concerns.
As with any new supplement, it’s essential to be cautious — we applaud you for doing your research. While mushroom gummies are generally quite safe, there are a few things to keep in mind before trying them.
Here is everything you need to know about mushroom gummy supplement safety.
Here's what we'll cover:
So, Are Mushroom Gummies Safe?
Yes, mushroom gummies made from functional mushrooms are safe for most users. These gummies contain a variety of medicinal mushrooms that are much safer than their “psychedelic” mushroom cousins, such as amanita muscaria.
Some common functional mushrooms include reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail, and oyster mushrooms, all of which have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Our ancestors harvested mushrooms straight from the wild for thousands of years and processed them into teas, tonics, and culinary concoctions.
Today, mushroom gummy brands infuse these mushrooms into chewable supplements, which remain as safe as ever.
What the Science Says
Modern research supports the safety of mushrooms, from in vitro studies to clinical trials. In an extensive review of medicinal mushrooms published in 2021, researchers summarized several clinical studies and concluded that these mushrooms are safe to consume.
No serious adverse effects were found for any of the mushrooms examined in these studies. The researchers observed no signs of toxicity and noted no impact on kidney or liver functions.
Overall, the researchers established that all of the examined mushrooms were well-tolerated within the tested doses — and they do offer some incredible health benefits.
Only a small percentage of study participants experienced mild discomfort or side effects after consuming functional mushrooms. We’ll discuss some of these common side effects in more detail a little later.
Buy from Trusted Brands
Although research vouches for the safety of medicinal mushrooms, mushroom gummies are only as safe as their ingredients. Unfortunately, the mushroom supplement industry lacks strict oversight, so we must trust that brands are honest about what’s in their gummies.
Even when brands are transparent about their ingredients, there’s a risk that unwanted contaminants find their way into products. Mushrooms are considered bioaccumulators, meaning they can collect and accumulate environmental toxins. Because of this propensity, mushrooms sourced from wild areas could contain heavy metals or pesticides.
If you’re going to buy mushroom gummies, look for brands that source their mushrooms from reputable commercial growers. Some brands even post their lab tests online. Review these tests and verify that their products are free from harmful ingredients.
Thankfully, Goomz Gummies are rigorously tested. They’re free from pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other unwanted ingredients that can find their way into mushroom-based supplements. We love Goomz mushroom gummies because they are also free from gluten and dairy, so they’re safe for people who are allergic to these ingredients.
Other reputable brands are also available, including Fungies, BATCH, Earth & Star, and Nummies. We review all of these brands in our article on the best functional mushroom gummies, so check it out to learn more.
What Are the Side Effects of Mushroom Gummies?
Although mushroom gummies are safe for more users, they can produce side effects in rare cases. Some potentially off-putting mushroom gummies effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat
- Itching and rash
- Mild stomach aches and gastrointestinal distress
Fortunately, these side effects are less common when consuming mushroom gummies compared to fresh mushrooms or mushroom powders. Why? The extraction process isolates the beneficial compounds from the mushrooms, keeping only the good stuff and leaving behind most of the problematic mushroom elements.
Rashes and itching most often occur when raw or undercooked mushrooms are consumed, but hot-water extraction deactivates the compounds that cause rashes. Similarly, mushroom extracts used in gummies are free from fiber, which is responsible for most mushroom-related stomach discomfort.
Still, the concentrated extracts in mushroom gummies contain some potent compounds. Overdoing it and taking too many gummies could lead to adverse reactions.
When taking mushroom gummies, follow the recommended dosage printed on your product. Studies show that mushrooms are well-tolerated at specific doses, but little research exists on the effects of taking larger doses. If you stick to the recommended dose, your health risk(s) remain very limited.
Medication Interactions
Mushrooms can interact with medications and herbal supplements, particularly those that slow bleeding or lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Taking functional mushrooms with certain medications or supplements can cause your blood pressure and blood sugar to drop too low or increase your risk of bleeding.
Reishi mushrooms are of particular concern when it comes to drug interactions. Similarly, because cordyceps mushrooms can increase immune system activity, they can interact with medications that suppress the immune system, making them less effective.
If you take any of these medications, talk to your doctor before trying mushroom gummies. Keep in mind that certain herbal supplements can also interact with mushroom gummies — a quick Google search will let you know if you need to proceed with caution.
Do Mushroom Gummies Make You Trip?
No, functional mushroom gummies will not get you high or make you “trip.” The mushrooms in these gummies are non-psychoactive, meaning they will not alter your perception of reality or cause hallucinations.
However, gummies containing extracts from the amanita muscaria mushroom will produce mind-altering effects.
Unlike psilocybin — the illegal psychedelic found in most “magic mushrooms” — amanita mushrooms are legal in most states. Still, fungi experts and federal officials caution against using amanita mushroom gummies. Amanita mushrooms are technically poisonous, and no clinical trials have evaluated the safety of consuming amanita muscaria mushrooms.
Are Mushroom Gummies Addictive?
There is no risk of becoming addicted to mushroom gummies. The effects of functional mushrooms are mild and do not produce withdrawal symptoms, so you don’t have to worry about your body or mind becoming dependent on them.
In the clinical trials we discussed above, researchers found no evidence that these mushrooms have addictive properties. Unlike addictive substances, the FDA classifies mushrooms as functional foods with therapeutic benefits. They fall into the same functional food category as other botanical supplements, such as turmeric, echinacea, aloe vera, and green tea extract.
Who Should Avoid Taking Mushroom Gummies?
Mushroom gummies are safe for most people, but there are a few people who should steer clear of them — or at least talk to a doctor before giving them a try.
While functional mushrooms boast benefits like reducing blood pressure and blood sugar, these can become unwanted side effects for people with certain health conditions. If you’re managing diabetes or dealing with hypotension (low blood pressure), it’s essential to exercise caution with mushroom gummies.
You might also want to avoid mushroom gummies if you have autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, or mushroom allergies. The same goes for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Even if you don’t have any health conditions, bleeding and bruising are still risks in some situations. If you’re booked for an upcoming surgery, give the gummies a break so that you can avoid any bleeding-related complications.
Why Do Some People Choose to Consume Mushroom Gummies?
People take mushroom gummies for their therapeutic benefits. Mushroom gummies are packed with beneficial functional mushroom compounds that can reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and protect cells against damage. They also provide antioxidants that can combat aging and prevent disease.
Besides these long-term benefits, mushroom gummies offer some immediate effects. Certain mushrooms can improve your sense of focus, relieve stress, or provide a natural energy boost.
For example, cordyceps mushroom gummies can elevate your stamina and endurance, so you might choose to take these before a run or workout session.
Many people also consume mushroom gummies for the mental health benefits these supplements offer. Reishi and lion’s mane are particularly good for relaxation, so people often choose gummies with these mushrooms to help with anxiety. Similarly, some studies suggest that cordyceps mushrooms have antidepressant effects.
While mushroom supplements come in other forms, gummies are undeniably convenient. The dose is perfectly measured, so you don’t have to mess around with tinctures or mushroom powders. All you have to do is pop a tasty chew and be on your way.
Try Mushroom Gummies with Confidence
Is it safe to consume mushroom gummies? As we’ve learned, the answer is yes. If you want to try mushroom gummies, don’t let safety concerns stand in your way. Side effects are rare, so there’s a good chance you won’t have any problems.
The main health risks associated with mushroom gummies are drug interactions, allergies, and pre-existing health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these concerns. Otherwise, have at it!
The best way to ensure your mushroom gummies are safe is to buy from brands that prioritize the purity of their ingredients. Goomz gummies are free from pesticides, hazardous ingredients, and questionable psychoactive substances. Check out the mushroom-packed formulas and try them for yourself!