Lion’s mane mushrooms have been influential in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are present and prevalent in many functional mushroom supplements because they have multiple health benefits and few side effects.
Yet it’s not clear what the proper dose is. Today, we explore exactly how much Lion’s mane you can take to reap all its benefits best.
This article will also evaluate if it’s safe to take Lion’s mane daily, the best ways to consume this medicinal fungus, and the potential side effects to be aware of before adding it to your dietary routine.
At a glance:
- How Much Lion’s Mane Should You Take?
- Can You Take Too Much Lion’s Mane?
- How Often Should You Take Lion’s Mane?
- Is It OK to Take Lion’s Mane Everyday?
- What is the Best Way to Consume Lion’s Mane?
- What Are the Benefits of Lion’s Mane?
- Is Lion’s Mane Safe to Take?
- What Are the Potential Side Effects of Taking Lion’s Mane?
- How Much Lion’s Mane to Take to Reap All Its Benefits
How Much Lion’s Mane Should You Take?
We cannot say how much Lion’s mane you should take with precision. More scientific research is needed to determine the right amount accurately, and expert opinions vary slightly.
According to WebMD, Lion’s mane mushrooms are “possibly safe” when consumed orally in a dose of 1 gram daily for 16 weeks.
In an article published by Everyday Health, registered dietician-nutritionist Monique Richard explains that “lion’s mane supplements are generally well-tolerated and noted as safe when up to 750 milligrams (mg) are taken orally daily for up to 16 weeks.”
An important clinical study that tested the effects of Lion’s mane on cognitive function administered subjects 1,000 mg daily for 16 weeks. Another study, which tested the potential benefits of including Lion’s mane in functional foods and medicines, administered subjects 3 g (3,000 mg) daily for 16 weeks in tablet form.
Based on the small amount of scientific data available, consuming between 750 mg (0.75 g) and 1,000 mg (1 g) seems to be the safe daily dosage. However, this dosage recommendation may change when additional research is uncovered.
Can You Take Too Much Lion’s Mane?
“Everything in moderation” isn’t just an overused expression — it’s a good general rule. Even water — vital to human health — can lead to fatal water intoxication when consumed in excessive quantities over a short amount of time.
Can you take too much Lion’s mane? Of course you can. So, what’s the best way to determine how much is too much? Read the recommended dosage on the product label.
We pack 350 mg of active ingredients into every GOOMZ mushroom gummy and advise all users to start with one 350 mg gummy to see how it makes them feel.
Our team considers a serving of one or two gummies (350 mg to 700 mg) to be a microdose, a serving of three or four gummies (1,050 mg to 1,400 mg) to be potent, and a dosage of five gummies (1,750mg) to be heroic.
Remember that our GOOMZ gummies contain Lion’s mane mushrooms and other ingredients, so taking a heroic dose doesn’t necessarily mean consuming 1,750mg of pure Lion’s mane.
Shop GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies with Lion’s mane here
How Often Should You Take Lion’s Mane?
Product labels on most mushroom supplements also indicate how often you should take the recommended dose. Some supplement brands suggest you take three per day, spaced out with meals. Others recommend you take one per day. Some suggest taking them every other day or “one day on and two days off.”
These varying recommendations often result from the reality that many of the best Lion’s mane mushroom supplements contain additional ingredients. Lion’s mane alone may be safe to take regularly, but some of the other ingredients may not.
Is It OK to Take Lion’s Mane Everyday?
Based on the expert opinions and the results of the scientific studies we cited above, we believe it’s safe to consume pure Lion’s mane every day, at least for 16 weeks.
However, we need more scientific data to determine if this fungus is safe for daily usage beyond the 16-week mark and how long of a break one should take before beginning another 16-week regimen.
If you consume Lion’s mane supplements containing ingredients that aren’t safe to take daily, exercise extra caution. Consider the safety of all ingredients before determining if your preferred supplements are safe to take regularly.
How Much Lion’s Mane Should You Take Per Day?
Because every brand has its recommended Lion’s mane dosage, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The proper Lion’s mane dosage depends on how many milligrams of pure Lion’s mane each supplement contains and the concentration of other active ingredients.
To err on the side of caution, we recommend you rely on current scientific evidence. Most data suggests that 750 to 1,000 mg of Lion’s mane daily is safe for the average user.
Keep in mind that everyone reacts to Lion’s mane differently. Factors like height, weight, and metabolic rate can affect how Lion’s mane makes you feel. No matter how much the label recommends you take, it’s always best to start with a small dose and see how it affects you.
What is the Best Way to Consume Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s mane mushroom supplements come in many different forms, including gummies, capsules, and tablets. Tinctures, elixirs, and powders are also available for people who prefer to add the supplement directly to food or beverages.
We prefer Lion’s mane in gummy form.
Our GOOMZ gummies aren’t only some of the best Lion’s mane mushroom gummies on the market but some of the best Lion’s mane mushroom supplements, period. We offer two high-potency varieties with Lion’s mane as a key ingredient: GOOMZ Euphoria Gummies and GOOMZ Focus Energy Gummies.
Our GOOMZ Euphoria Gummies are formulated with Lion’s mane mushrooms and Blue lotus to produce a euphoric sensation, elevate your mood, and help you relax and unwind. Their bold, juicy flavor of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries makes them one of the best-tasting gummies available today.
GOOMZ Focus Energy Gummies include Lion’s mane to help you focus and caffeine and Cordyceps functional mushrooms to give you a burst of energy.
They also include Kanna to boost your mood and keep you calm. In our fresh and vibrant Pineapple Lemonade flavor, these gummies help you power through the day without feeling jittery or crashing like you sometimes may after drinking coffee.
You can enjoy the benefits of Lion’s mane in any supplement form, but gummies are our favorite option. They’re ideal for people who don’t like swallowing capsules or pills and don’t want to taste the mushroom extract flavor found in tinctures and powders. Gummies work and taste great, making them a win-win for most users.
Shop GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies here
What Are the Benefits of Lion’s Mane?
There are many potential health benefits of Lion’s mane gummies. Clinical trials in humans and laboratory animal studies indicate that Lion’s mane can support brain health, heart health, gut health, and more.
Boost Cognitive Function
Lion’s mane is called “the smart mushroom” because it improves cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. Many people take Lion’s mane mushroom gummies for focus, while others take it to reduce brain fog, alleviate anxiety, and manage symptoms of ADHD.
Animal studies also indicate that it may be able to protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduce Inflammation
Lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Excess inflammation can turn into chronic inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and other dangerous medical conditions. Lion’s mane helps fight inflammation and minimize oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Improve Immune Function
Animal research indicates that Lion’s mane may be able to boost the immune system. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you fall victim to viruses, infections, and dangerous diseases.
Increase Healthy Gut Bacteria
Lion’s mane promotes good gut bacteria, boosting immune function and improving digestive health. In addition to antioxidants, Lion’s mane mushrooms also include probiotics that promote healthy microbe production and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease
Lion’s mane can lower harmful cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, and improve blood circulation. High cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and poor blood circulation are some of the leading contributing factors to heart attack and stroke.
Scientific studies also suggest that Lion’s mane may help manage diabetes, slow cancerous cell growth, and stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) to help people recover from nervous system injuries like traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke.
Is Lion’s Mane Safe to Take?
Lion’s mane has various health benefits and is safe for most people, but everyone reacts differently to functional mushrooms. Most people do not experience any adverse reactions, but potential health consequences can present in some individuals.
Like any natural, herbal supplement or vitamin, functional mushroom supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Until the FDA regulates such products, their safety will always be up for debate.
With that said certain groups of people should not take Lion’s mane supplements.
Do not take Lion’s mane if you have a mushroom allergy. Do not take it if you’re on blood thinning medications. Do not consume it if you have a bleeding disorder or auto-immune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or lupus.
Lion’s mane thins the blood, so people planning a surgical procedure should avoid it for at least two weeks before surgery. It’s also unclear what effect it may have on babies. Those who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid all mushroom supplements.
People on certain diabetes medications should also steer clear of this functional mushroom. Lion’s mane can lower your blood sugar levels, and taking it with prescription drugs that reduce your sugars may make your level drop too low.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Taking Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s mane offers many health benefits, but potential side effects always exist. There are three main side effects of Lion’s mane that should be considered before adding this supplement to your dietary routine.
Negative Drug Interactions
Some medications do not mix well with Lion’s mane mushroom supplements.
Lion’s mane slows blood clotting and can cause bleeding and bruising in people on antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. It can also decrease blood sugar levels. If you take prescription diabetes medications to lower your sugars, adding Lion’s mane to your diet may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Allergic Reactions
Lion’s mane can negatively affect people with a known mushroom allergy, inflicting symptoms from itchy skin and rashes to difficulty breathing. Most allergic reactions to Lion’s mane are mild, but some people experience intense adverse reactions.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Stomach discomfort and nausea are the two most common side effects of Lion’s mane mushrooms. You might experience bouts of gas, bloating, or diarrhea, depending on how your body reacts.
If you experience GI issues, consult your physician to determine if you should reduce your dosage of Lion’s mane or stop taking it altogether.
Increased Symptoms of Existing Diseases
If you have an existing medical condition, consult your physician before adding Lion’s mane to your diet. Lion’s mane can increase symptoms in people with diabetes, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Much Lion’s Mane to Take to Reap All Its Benefits
Lion’s mane mushrooms offer many health benefits, and most people tolerate them well. However, the right amount to take depends on various factors, including your current health condition and the other ingredients in your supplements. How much Lion’s mane to take is an important consideration.
If you’re searching for Lion’s mane supplements that help you focus, boost your mood, energize your mind and body, or induce a sense of euphoria, we recommend our GOOMZ mushroom gummies.
Offering potent Lion’s mane combined with ingredients like Blue lotus, Kanna, caffeine, and Cordyceps mushrooms, GOOMZ mushroom gummies deliver an array of unique benefits that other Lion’s mane supplements do not.