Lion’s mane functional mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In recent years, they’ve become a popular ingredient in mushroom gummies and supplements for the health benefits they offer. But are there also Lion’s mane mushroom gummies side effects to be aware of?
The answer is yes. All functional mushrooms can cause potential health risks. This article will explore those side effects, who should avoid Lion’s mane gummies, how much is safe to take, and other topics related to this fascinating medicinal fungi.
At a glance:
- What Are the Potential Side Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
- Are Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Safe for You?
- Who Should Especially Avoid Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
- Could Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Negatively Interact with Medications?
- What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
- How Much LIon’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Are Too Much?
- Is It Safe to Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Every Single Day?
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Side Effects: Not a Concern For Most
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
Lion’s mane is generally safe to use, but all functional mushrooms have potential side effects. In most cases, the side effects are mild but can present more severely in some people. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable possible side effects:
Allergic Reactions
You may experience an allergic reaction to Lion’s mane gummies, especially if you have a mushroom allergy. Allergy symptoms can range from itchy skin and mild skin rashes to severe issues like throat swelling and difficulty breathing.
Blood Thinning
Lion’s mane can slow blood clotting and thin the blood. This thinning is not a concerning (or even common) side effect for most. However, for people already on blood thinners or anticoagulants, using Lion’s mane may result in bleeding or bruising.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Nausea and stomach ache are two of Lion's mane gummies' most common side effects. Some users experience other GI issues, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
In this double-blind placebo-controlled study testing the efficacy of Lion’s mane as a possible preventative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, some subjects reported feeling nausea and stomach discomfort.
Decreased Blood Sugar Levels
Lion’s mane has antihyperglycemic properties that help decrease blood sugar levels. The upside of this is that it may help treat diabetes. The downside is that it can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low when used in combination with some diabetes medications.
This study analyzes how Lion’s mane can reduce blood sugar levels.
Increased Symptoms of Auto-Immune Diseases
Because Lion’s mane gummies can help boost the immune system, they may increase the symptoms of certain auto-immune diseases. If you have an auto-immune disease such as lupus, MS, or rheumatoid arthritis, consult your physician before adding a Lion’s mane supplement to your diet.
More research is needed to understand all the side effects that consuming Lion’s mane may cause. No scientific evidence suggests that Lion’s mane gummies have long-term side effects.
Be Aware of the Other Ingredients in Lion’s Mane Gummies
Some gummies contain only lion’s mane, while others have multiple functional ingredients that may put you at risk for other side effects.
For example, our GOOMZ Focus Energy Gummies contain Lion’s mane extract to improve clarity and focus, Kanna for relaxation, and caffeine and Cordyceps mushroom extract to increase energy levels.
GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies are some of the best Lion’s mane mushroom supplements available, and people love them because they boost the mind and body at the same time.
But if you have a Cordyceps allergy or are under doctor’s orders to limit caffeine, GOOMZ Focus Energy Gummies might not be ideal. You might find our GOOMZ Euphoria Gummies with Lion’s mane and blue lotus a better option.
Shop GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies here
Are Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Safe for You?
Lion’s mane mushroom gummies are safe for most people but may present mild health risks for others. Everyone reacts differently, and current medical conditions, allergies, and medications you take may affect how mushroom supplements make you feel.
Remember that ingredients and formulas vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so having a positive experience with one brand of Lion’s mane gummies doesn’t mean you’ll have the same result with other brands.
When shopping for mushroom gummies, look closely at all the ingredients on the label. If you’re unfamiliar with a particular ingredient, consider researching it to better understand its effects.
Who Should Especially Avoid Taking Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
Several groups of people should not consume Lion’s mane mushroom gummies. If you fall into any of the groups listed below, consult your physician before adding a gummy supplement to your dietary routine:
People Who Take Blood Thinners or Have Bleeding Disorders
Lion’s mane mushrooms have blood-thinning properties. It’s best to avoid taking Lion’s mane gummies if you’re currently on blood thinners, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet medications. You should also avoid these gummies if you have bleeding disorders, as consumption may cause additional bleeding or increase bruising.
People With Certain Auto-Immune Diseases
Because Lion’s mane can boost immunity and make the immune system more active, it can potentially increase the symptoms of some auto-immune diseases. If you have RA, MS, lupus, or any other auto-immune disease, avoid Lion’s mane gummies or consult your physician before taking them.
People With Mushroom Allergies
If you have a mushroom allergy, even a tiny amount of Lion’s mane may produce an allergic reaction. Some allergic reactions can be mild, but some can be intense. While reactions such as skin rashes may be easy to treat, those that cause your throat to swell or make it difficult to breathe can be life-threatening.
People Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Avoid Lion’s mane gummies if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. More studies are needed to understand how functional mushrooms can affect pregnant people and nursing babies.
People Who Are Planning to Have Surgery
If you have surgery planned, do not take Lion’s mane gummies in the two weeks preceding surgery. Lion’s mane slows blood clotting, which can cause complications during or after surgery.
Could Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Negatively Interact With Medications?
Lion’s mane can have harmful side effects when combined with certain medications.
Avoid Lion’s mane if you take blood thinners. Lion’s mane slows blood clotting and can cause bruising or bleeding in people who already take antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications.
It is also possible that Lion’s mane may cause adverse side effects when taken in combination with diabetes medications. Consuming Lion’s mane can decrease blood sugar levels, and your levels may drop too low if you take mushroom gummies with prescription drugs designed to lower your sugars.
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies?
Lion’s mane offers many health benefits and is being studied for its efficacy in treating and preventing various diseases and disorders. More human studies are needed to understand all the health benefits Lion’s mane may provide, but laboratory research and animal studies show promising results.
Reduce Inflammation
Lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce chronic inflammation and fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The mushroom’s rich antioxidant load fights free radicals, reducing the inflammation that can lead to severe medical conditions.
Improve Cognitive Function
One of Lion's mane's most significant health benefits is its ability to improve brain function. Many people take Lion’s mane mushroom gummies for brain health, as they’re known to boost cognitive function and aid in stress reduction. Evidence suggests they can also ease anxiety and may have beneficial effects for people with major depressive disorder.
Boost Immunity
Taking Lion’s mane can boost and strengthen your immune system. The better your immune system performs, the easier it is to fight off infections, heal injuries, and protect against bacteria and viruses.
Support Heart Health
Mushroom gummies with Lion’s mane can alleviate high blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and lower harmful cholesterol levels — all steps that can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Improve Digestive Health
Lion’s mane gummies contain probiotics that promote good gut health. Healthy gut bacteria reduce inflammation in the gut and protect your digestive health.
Manage Diabetes
One of the most promising benefits of Lion’s mane is that it may help people manage diabetes. Consumption of the fungi is known to lower blood sugar levels and even ease diabetic nerve pain.
Other Gummy Ingredients Can Produce Additional Benefits
If you take Lion’s mane mushroom gummies with other functional mushrooms and additional ingredients, you may also experience added benefits.
For example, try our GOOMZ Focus Energy Gummies in tasty Pineapple Lemonade flavor if you want mushroom gummies for focus and energy. High-potency Lion’s mane and Cordyceps extracts offer a burst of energy and improve mental clarity so you can power through the day in top physical and psychological form.
If you prefer gummies that can make you feel relaxed and chill, try our mood-boosting GOOMZ Euphoria Gummies in Berry Blast. These tasty treats include Lion’s mane and Blue lotus to induce a euphoric feeling.
Shop All GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies here
How Much Lion’s Mane Mushroom Is Too Much?
There is no standard for how many lion’s mane mushroom gummies you can take at once. Research suggests that the “right” amount varies by an individual’s weight, age, and current health conditions.
We recommend starting with a small Lion’s mane dosage to see how the gummies make you feel. If your gummies have a recommended dosage on the label, don’t exceed that amount.
Is It Safe to Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Every Single Day?
Some experts recommend taking Lion’s mane supplements daily for eight weeks, while others say taking them for sixteen weeks straight is safe. More scientific data is needed to understand the proper dosage amounts fully.
Remember that Lion’s mane mushroom gummies — like all dietary supplements — are not regulated by the FDA. Heed the warning labels on any gummies you take and follow the recommended dosage amounts and frequency if such information is provided.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies Side Effects: Not a Concern For Most
Most people who take Lion’s mane mushroom gummies do not experience any severe side effects, though the potential for adverse reactions is always possible. If you’re concerned about trying them for the first time, start with a small dose and choose a brand you can trust — a brand like GOOMZ.
Our GOOMZ mushroom gummies are formulated with Lion’s mane, other functional mushrooms, and additional ingredients like Blue lotus, Kanna, Kava, and caffeine.
We spent years researching and creating our proprietary blends to ensure that we deliver the safest, most effective product possible. Side effects are uncommon, but as with all supplements, they do exist.
Shop GOOMZ Mushroom Gummies in three different flavors and blends here