January 5, 2026, 10:09 am | Read time: 2 minutes
For centuries, so-called vital mushrooms like Cordyceps or Reishi have been used in traditional medicine in Asia. Modern science is also interested in their potential effects. A meta-analysis has now examined the measurable impact of mushroom supplements on the endurance, immune system, and blood values of athletes.
What was studied? A systematic review and meta-analysis published in “Frontiers in Nutrition” investigated whether dietary supplements made from edible mushrooms like Cordyceps and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) can improve the endurance, immune system, and blood values of adult athletes.1
Fourteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 528 athletes were evaluated, where participants took various mushroom extracts in different dosages over periods ranging from two weeks to four months.
A Mushroom Supplement Improved Endurance
Results: The intake of Cordyceps significantly improved endurance performance in athletes. The point at which breathing becomes noticeably more difficult—the so-called ventilatory threshold—was also significantly increased. Additionally, the VO2Peak value, which is the maximum capacity of the body to take in and use oxygen during exercise, was markedly enhanced.
Reishi also showed benefits: Extracts reduced the levels of lactate and urea in the blood. These are metabolic byproducts that accumulate during exertion and can cause fatigue. At the same time, the hematocrit value, which is the proportion of red blood cells that transport oxygen, increased. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, which protect the body from cell damage due to intense exertion, also rose.
Reishi extracts with triterpenes and polysaccharides, which are specific bioactive substances from the mushroom, were particularly effective, mainly for endurance athletes like runners or cyclists.
Authors Emphasize the Importance of Standardized and Quality-Controlled Extracts
Significance: The results show that mushroom supplements can be a natural and effective addition to sports. They can improve aerobic capacity, speed up recovery, and strengthen the immune system—especially during intense training phases.
The mushroom extracts are considered well-tolerated in the short term; no serious side effects were reported in the studies. However, larger, long-term studies with standardized preparations are still needed to definitively confirm their effects and long-term safety. The authors also emphasize the importance of standardized extracts with clear active ingredient specifications and quality control for safe use.
In general, with dietary supplements containing plant-based ingredients, inadequate production can lead to more dangerous contaminants.
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