Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that can protect cells in the human body and is an important active substance in the body. Natural antioxidants are safe and non-toxic, and have become a research hotspot. As a natural antioxidant, ergothioneine has entered people's field of vision. It has many physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxifying, maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth and cellular immunity.
The intake of edible mushrooms (such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus, Flammulina velutipes, etc.) can be considered as a rough indicator of ergothioneine intake. In a study of 2,840 participants aged 60 years or older evaluating the relationship between mushroom intake and cognition, participants with the highest intake of mushrooms performed more Participants with the lowest input performed better. In a study that included 470 adults over the age of 50, participants with higher plasma ergothioneine levels performed better in several cognitive domains, including executive function and memory. While these studies suggest a link between ergothioneine levels and brain health, clinical studies have not shown whether ergothioneine supplementation can prevent or slow cognitive decline. A clinical trial of 92 healthy adults aged 40 to 75 found that ergothioneine supplementation improved sleep quality, which may affect brain health.
◆ For people with dementia
Patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia have lower blood ergothioneine levels. Dementia patients with the lowest ergothioneine levels tended to show faster rates of cognitive decline and loss of brain volume. However, these observational studies do not tell us the direction of this relationship. Ergothioneine levels may be lower due to loss of brain cells. To date, there is no evidence to suggest whether ergothioneine supplementation mitigates these declines.
Observational studies have shown that blood levels of ergothioneine tend to decline with age, especially in individuals with physical and/or cognitive decline. No clinical trials have been conducted to determine whether supplementation can prevent or reverse these declines. Preclinical studies have shown that ergothioneine protects cells through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ergothioneine supplements are probably safe at 30 mg per day for adults and 20 mg per day for children. Ergothioneine can also be obtained through diet. Mushrooms contain the highest levels of ergothioneine, especially king oysters, wheat bran, shiitake and porcini mushrooms. Other foods rich in ergothioneine include animal liver, black beans, red beans and oat bran.
