By Romas Marcin, Founder of Fundamental Fungi
It's a fair question to ask before you take anything new. Lion's mane has been eaten as food and used in traditional practice for centuries, and it's generally well tolerated by healthy adults. But "generally" isn't "always." Here's what to know about lion's mane side effects, who should check with a doctor first, and how to pick a gummy you can trust. (Most of this applies to cordyceps gummies too.)
First: lion's mane is not a "magic" mushroom
Lion's mane and cordyceps are non-psychoactive functional mushrooms. They contain no psilocybin, won't make you feel high and aren't hallucinogenic. Lion's mane is even sold fresh as a culinary mushroom.
Lion's mane side effects
Most people don't notice side effects. In human studies of lion's mane, side effects have been uncommon and usually mild. When people do report something, it's most often:
- Stomach discomfort, like an upset stomach or loose stools. Taking your gummies with food often helps.
- Allergic reactions, which are rare. Signs can include itching, a rash or, in serious cases, trouble breathing.
Stop taking any supplement if you have a reaction, and get medical help right away if it's severe. Starting with the suggested amount and not taking more than the label says are the simplest ways to stay safe.
Who should talk to a healthcare provider first
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking lion's mane or other mushroom supplements if you:
- Are pregnant or nursing, since there isn't enough research on use during pregnancy
- Take prescription medication, especially blood thinners or medications that affect blood sugar
- Have a medical condition or an upcoming surgery
- Have a known allergy to mushrooms or molds
Are lion's mane gummies safe for kids?
Our gummies are made for adults 18 and older, and we don't recommend giving them to children. There's very little research on lion's mane supplements in kids. If you're considering any supplement for a child, talk to their pediatrician first.
Because gummies look and taste like candy, store them out of reach of children, the same way you would any vitamin or supplement.
How to choose a safe lion's mane gummy
Supplements aren't approved by the FDA before they're sold, so quality depends on the brand. Look for:
- A clear species name, like Hericium erinaceus
- The part of the mushroom used. Fruiting body is the mushroom itself. Mycelium grown on grain can include a lot of leftover grain. See Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium.
- An exact amount and extract ratio, not just a "proprietary blend." See Mushroom Extract Ratios Explained.
- Independent, third-party lab testing of the finished product, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) the brand will share
- Manufacturing standards, such as an FDA-registered facility
- A full ingredient list and a company you can contact
What third-party testing checks for
A Certificate of Analysis is a lab report on a specific batch. For a mushroom gummy, the most useful tests are:
- Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Mushrooms can absorb metals from where they're grown, so this matters.
- Microbes: E. coli, Salmonella, yeast and mold, plus a total count of bacteria (often called aerobic plate count).
Our Lion's Mane gummies are tested by SGS North America, an independent third-party lab. In our most recent report:
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury were all below the lab's detection limit (less than 0.025 ppm)
- Salmonella was not detected, and E. coli, yeast and mold were each below the lab's detection limit (less than 10 CFU/g)
Want to see the report? Contact us and we'll send you the full COA.
A note on gummies specifically
- Sugar: Most gummies contain some sugar. Ours have 3g per gummy (6g per day at 2 gummies).
- Gelatin: Many gummies use gelatin. Ours are pectin-based and vegan.
How we make ours
- 125mg USDA Organic fruiting-body extract per gummy (8:1, equal to 1,000mg of mushroom)
- No mycelium, grain filler, gelatin or caffeine
- Non-GMO and gluten-free, with natural colors and flavors
- Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility
- Third-party tested for heavy metals and microbes
Questions about ingredients? See our FAQ or contact us.
FAQ
Do lion's mane gummies have side effects?
Most people don't notice any. When side effects are reported, they're usually mild stomach discomfort. Rarely, people are allergic to mushrooms.
Can I take lion's mane gummies every day?
Yes, they're made for daily use. Take 2 gummies per day, or as recommended by your healthcare provider, and don't exceed the suggested amount.
Can I take lion's mane and cordyceps together?
Many people do. If you take medication, check with your healthcare provider first. See Lion's Mane and Cordyceps Gummies.
Will lion's mane gummies show up on a drug test?
Lion's mane and cordyceps contain no psilocybin or THC, so they aren't what standard drug tests look for.
Are lion's mane gummies safe for kids?
Our gummies are made for adults 18 and older. Talk to a pediatrician before giving any supplement to a child.
Are your gummies third-party tested?
Yes. Our Lion's Mane gummies are tested by SGS North America, an independent lab, for heavy metals and microbes. Contact us for a copy of the COA.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.