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

Summary

This research examined the quality and safety of mushroom supplements sold in Italy, revealing significant concerns about product consistency and labeling accuracy. The study found that many supplements didn’t contain the mushroom species listed on their labels, had varying amounts of active ingredients between capsules, and some contained concerning levels of contaminants. This has important implications for everyday consumers: • Many mushroom supplements may not contain the exact species or amounts of active ingredients that consumers think they’re buying • The inconsistent amount of active ingredients between capsules means consumers might not get reliable doses • Some products contained contaminants above legal safety limits, potentially putting consumers at risk • The lack of standardization makes it difficult for consumers to know if they’re getting an effective product • These findings highlight the need for better regulation and quality control in the supplement industry to protect consumer health

Background

Mushrooms and their derivatives are known to have various health benefits including lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobic, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulating, neuroprotective and osteoprotective actions. In Europe, medicinal mushrooms are mainly marketed as food supplements either as single components or combined with other nutraceuticals. While these supplements have a long history of traditional use, most production occurs in China where facilities often lack internationally recognized good manufacturing practices.

Objective

To analyze different mushroom-based dietary supplements used in medicine as monotherapy on the Italian market and evaluate their composition and quality through molecular identification and analysis of active ingredients and contaminants.

Results

Only 6 out of 19 samples matched the species indicated on their labels through DNA analysis. Several products labeled as containing Ganoderma lucidum actually contained other Ganoderma species. Ergosterol content varied widely between samples (1.79-561.60 μg/g). Aflatoxins were found in samples from 3 batches, with one sample exceeding EU legal limits. Glucan content showed significant variability both between different products (19.15-60.05%) and between capsules of the same product. Heavy metals were generally below legal limits.

Conclusion

The analyses revealed significant inconsistencies between declared and actual mushroom species content, variable levels of bioactive compounds, and some concerning levels of contaminants. The findings suggest inadequate quality control in the mushroom supplement market and highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight and standardization of these products to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3390/nu15030776
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