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Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let’s Open Pandora’s Box

Summary

Researchers tested 19 mushroom supplement products sold in Italy and found serious quality problems. Many supplements didn’t actually contain the mushroom species listed on their labels. Some products also contained toxic substances or inconsistent amounts of beneficial compounds. The study highlights the need for better regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure these popular health products are safe and effective.

Background

Medicinal mushrooms are well-known for their pharmacological properties including lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and immunomodulating effects. In Europe, medical mushrooms are marketed mainly as food supplements. However, most large-scale cultivation occurs in China where manufacturing practices may not meet international standards, and European companies often source from Chinese manufacturers, creating quality concerns.

Objective

To analyze different mushroom-based dietary supplements available on the Italian market, evaluate their composition and quality, verify taxonomic identification through molecular analysis, and assess the presence of active ingredients and contaminants.

Results

Only 6 out of 19 samples matched the species indicated on labels. Ganoderma lucidum samples showed homology with G. resinaceum and G. sichuanense instead. Agaricus blazei products contained different species including Grifola frondosa and Cordyceps militaris. Aflatoxin traces were found in several samples with one exceeding legal limits. High variability in ergosterol and glucan content was observed both between and within batches.

Conclusion

The analysis reveals significant inconsistencies between declared and actual mushroom species in Italian market supplements, presence of contaminants, and lack of uniformity in active ingredient content. Greater regulatory controls, standardized manufacturing practices, and dialogue between scientific communities and authorities are urgent to protect consumer health and ensure product efficacy.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Analytical Quality Assessment Study,
  • Source: PMID: 36771482
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