When to take it
With food, any time of day.
← All supplements
LongevityWeak evidence
Shiitake
Also known as: Lentinula edodes
Shiitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia that contains beta-glucans (e.g. lentinan), ergothioneine and vitamin D (when exposed to UV light). As a supplement it is used mainly for immune support.
What it is used for
- immune support – weak evidence from small studies of regular mushroom intake
- cholesterol support – weak evidence, mostly animal
- antioxidant effect – weak evidence
Forms and how they differ
fruiting body powder
food form, lower beta-glucan content
hot-water extract
more concentrated beta-glucans; check the % on the label
mycelium-on-grain products
may contain much starch from the substrate – quality depends on the label
Pairs well with
Vitamin C, vitamin D, other functional mushrooms.
Do not combine / separate
Take care combining with immunosuppressants and blood thinners.
Watch out for
With autoimmune disease, after transplantation, in pregnancy or when taking medicines, consult your doctor. Avoid if allergic to mushrooms.
Safety
Raw or undercooked shiitake can cause a rare itchy rash (shiitake dermatitis); do not exceed the label dose.
Practical tip
Adding cooked shiitake to meals is a tasty and cheap way to include it – a supplement is not necessary.
Products containing Shiitake 2
Shiitakeextract
Shiitakepowder
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence
Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.
Combination check
Select the supplements you take and, if relevant, your medicines. We show what interferes, what needs a time gap and what to watch out for.
Check Shiitake with othersWhich supplements do you actually need?
Fénix Methode picks them from your blood results and schedules when to take what – no needless purchases.
From the same group
Agaricus blazeiWeak evidenceAlpha-lipoic acidModerate evidenceAstaxanthinWeak evidenceCoenzyme Q10Moderate evidenceDNA protection blendNo evidenceErgothioneineWeak evidence
Important notice
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.