Free Shipping On all Orders Over $150 The Truth About Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body Supplements: What Actually Works?
When it comes to mushroom supplements and Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body Supplements, there’s an ongoing debate in the mycology world: mycelium vs. fruiting body. Some brands use mycelium in their formulas, while others rely on 100% fruiting body extracts. But which one actually delivers the most benefits? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your health.
Understanding Mycelium vs. Fruiting Bodies
Before we dive into which one is better, let’s quickly define the difference between mycelium and fruiting bodies in the context of mushroom cultivation.
- Mycelium is the root-like network of fungal cells that colonize a substrate (like grain or wood). It’s the foundation of a mushroom’s life cycle, absorbing nutrients and breaking down organic material.
- Fruiting bodies are the actual mushrooms that grow from the mycelium. These are what you recognize as a mushroom cap and stem.
Both mycelium and fruiting bodies have beneficial compounds, but the key difference comes down to potency, purity, and bioactive compounds.
Why Fruiting Bodies Are the Gold Standard
Most high-quality mushroom supplements—like those found at Fullsend Organicks—use 100% fruiting body extracts because this is where the majority of beneficial compounds, including beta-glucans, are concentrated.
Key Benefits of Fruiting Bodies:
- Higher Beta-Glucan Content – Beta-glucans are the main immune-supporting compounds in mushrooms, and they’re significantly higher in fruiting bodies than in mycelium.
- No Grain Fillers – Unlike many mycelium-based products, fruiting body extracts contain pure mushrooms, not leftover grain from the substrate.
- More Scientific Research – The vast majority of studies on medicinal mushrooms focus on fruiting body extracts, not mycelium.
Why Some Companies Use Mycelium
Many brands still use mycelium on grain (MOG) in their supplements. This means the mycelium is grown on brown rice, oats, or sorghum and then ground up—grain and all—into a powder.
The issue? You’re not just getting mushroom compounds—you’re also consuming the leftover grain. This dilutes the potency of the supplement and reduces its beta-glucan content.
Common Issues with Mycelium-Based Supplements:
- Lower Beta-Glucan Content – Mycelium on grain contains more starch and fewer active compounds.
- Filler Ingredients – Many products contain up to 70% grain, meaning you’re paying for rice, not mushrooms.
- Lack of Transparency – Some brands don’t disclose that their supplements are myceliated grain rather than true mushroom extracts.
If your goal is maximum health benefits, you want a supplement that lists “fruiting body extract” on the label—not just “mycelium” or “mushroom mycelium powder.”
How to Identify a High-Quality Mushroom Supplement
If you’re looking for a supplement that actually delivers maximum benefits, here’s what to look for:
- 100% Fruiting Body Extract – Avoid products that list “mycelium on grain” or “mycelium biomass.”
- Third-Party Testing – High-quality brands test for beta-glucan content, purity, and potency.
- No Fillers or Starch – A good supplement won’t have added grains, rice, or unnecessary ingredients.
- Clearly Listed Beta-Glucan Content – The best mushroom supplements disclose the percentage of beta-glucans.
At Fullsend Organicks, we prioritize quality, which is why we offer only fruiting body-based mushroom supplements. Our products, including Daily Bliss, contain pure, lab-tested extracts with no grain fillers—just real mushrooms, real benefits.
Final Verdict: Fruiting Bodies Win
If you’re serious about getting the most out of your mushroom supplements, fruiting body extracts are the superior choice. While mycelium plays a critical role in mushroom cultivation—especially when using spores or liquid culture to grow gourmet mushrooms—the fruiting bodies are where the highest concentrations of beneficial compounds are found.
That’s why we use 100% fruiting body extracts in Daily Bliss—so you get pure, potent mushroom power without any of the grain fillers.
Shop High-Potency Mushroom Supplements Today!
Looking for premium mushroom supplements without the fillers? Check out Daily Bliss—our high-quality, fruiting body extract designed for brain health, energy, and immune support.
Or, if you’re into mushroom cultivation, explore our Super Bags to grow high-quality mushrooms at home with ease.
No myceliated grain. No fillers. Just real mushrooms.
