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If you’ve been researching mushroom supplements, you’ve likely come across two key terms: fruiting body and mycelium. But what do they mean, and why does it matter? In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between these two parts of the mushroom and why fruiting body extracts offer superior benefits for your health.

What Is the Fruiting Body?

The fruiting body is the part of the mushroom that you typically see above ground. It’s the structure that produces spores and is packed with beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, which boost your immune system and overall health. When you consume a mushroom extract labeled as "fruiting body," you’re getting the most potent part of the mushroom, rich in the active ingredients that provide the health benefits you’re seeking.

What Is Mycelium?

Mycelium, on the other hand, is the root-like structure that grows underground. It serves as the mushroom’s support system, absorbing nutrients from the environment to help the mushroom grow. While mycelium has some health benefits, it contains far fewer beta-glucans and active compounds than the fruiting body. Many supplement companies use mycelium because it’s cheaper to produce, often grown on grains that remain in the final product as fillers, diluting the potency of the supplement.

Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium: The Key Differences

1. Beta-Glucan Content: Fruiting bodies are far richer in beta-glucans, the compounds responsible for immune support and health benefits. Mycelium, by comparison, has lower beta-glucan levels and may contain starchy fillers from the substrate it’s grown on.

2. Effectiveness: Fruiting bodies provide a concentrated source of the active compounds that support immune function, brain health, and stress relief. Mycelium-based products, especially those grown on grain, tend to be less potent and may contain polysaccharides that offer little benefit.

3. Quality: Fruiting body extracts are generally purer and more potent, while mycelium products often contain unnecessary fillers that reduce their effectiveness.

Why Choose Fruiting Body Extracts?

When you’re investing in mushroom supplements, you want to make sure you’re getting the most effective product. Fruiting body extracts ensure you’re getting the highest concentration of beta-glucans and active compounds, without the fillers that come with mycelium-based supplements. Brands like Natphase focus exclusively on fruiting body extracts to deliver the most potent health benefits, ensuring you get maximum value for your health.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between fruiting body and mycelium, the answer is clear: fruiting body extracts provide far superior health benefits. They are richer in beta-glucans and free from the grain fillers that can dilute the potency of mycelium-based products. At Natphase, we use only the highest quality fruiting body extracts, so you can trust that you’re getting the most powerful supplement available.