Medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy, breastfeeding and when trying to conceive
During pregnancy, many things are reconsidered. For example, beloved Parmesan cheese should no longer be eaten, and some medications and dietary supplements are off-limits. But what about medicinal mushrooms, or vital mushrooms? Learn everything you need to know about vital mushrooms, pregnancy, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding here.
Are medicinal mushrooms harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you were already taking medicinal mushrooms before your pregnancy, you're probably wondering whether you can continue using them now. But even if you have no prior experience with these mushrooms, concerns are justified. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe or free of side effects. Especially during this time, extra care for your health is essential.
Would you like to learn more about medicinal mushrooms in general? Then our blog post on “Medicinal Mushrooms: Effects with a Long Tradition” provides you with the right information. Here we also introduce you to common mushrooms such as Hericium, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga, along with their traditional uses.
Mushrooms in general, including edible mushrooms like button mushrooms or shiitake, can indeed be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or radioactivity, as they act like nature's natural filters. Contaminated food or supplements are harmful to both you and your baby's health and should therefore be avoided during pregnancy. This means that when buying medicinal mushrooms, you should pay attention to high quality. Controlled cultivation, production in Germany, organic certification, independent analyses of the ingredients, and relevant certificates provide important indicators of quality.
The medicinal and edible mushroom Auricularia (Jew's ear, Mu-Err) should not be consumed before or during pregnancy, as it can lead to excessive relaxation of the uterine wall. In animals, this mushroom has been known to cause premature births and even miscarriages. Incidentally, you should also be cautious with shiitake mushrooms. Some people experience dermatitis (skin irritation) as a reaction to them.
Are medicinal mushrooms beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
According to the Swiss Society for Medicinal Mushrooms (GFVS), taking medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe. On the contrary, they see great potential in supporting the body during this time. The minerals, fiber, and vitamins they contain are intended to provide optimal nutrition for both mother and infant. These are some of the ingredients found in medicinal mushrooms:
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Vitamins such as vitamin D and B vitamins
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Amino acids (building blocks for proteins)
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Minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium
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secondary plant compounds
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Dietary fiber such as beta-glucans
In traditional medicine, some medicinal mushrooms are said to improve oxygen uptake in the blood, promote healthy sleep, or make you more resilient to stress. All of this can be quite helpful during pregnancy. The immunomodulating effects of the mushrooms are also beneficial during this time.
Later, during breastfeeding, the strengthened protection provided by the immune system is even said to be passed on to the child. There are anecdotal reports that children did not suffer from infections during and after breastfeeding if the mother used medicinal mushrooms.
However, all these testimonials and expert opinions lack conclusive scientific studies. Therefore, we recommend consulting your doctor or naturopath, especially if you are already taking medication. Interactions between medications and medicinal mushrooms are possible.
Extra tip: Coffee substitute using medicinal mushrooms
During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, women are advised to consume coffee only in reduced amounts. Not so easy if you're used to this stimulant. To still feel fit and energized throughout the day, medicinal mushrooms can be a healthy coffee substitute and energy source. For example, our Focus liquid extract contains extract from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps – a true powerhouse. Combined with Hericium and other acerola mushrooms as a source of vitamin C, it's ideal for your morning routine and can be taken directly on a teaspoon or mixed into a drink.
Can medicinal mushrooms help when trying to conceive?
In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus) is primarily used to support women trying to conceive. The Cordyceps fungus is believed to have a particularly positive effect on male fertility. Several studies have shown that the fungus increased sperm quality, quantity, and motility in laboratory animals. It is thought that the amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements it contains contribute to this effect.
It's also known that medicinal mushrooms can increase libido in women. If you and your partner are unable to conceive for an extended period, you should both consult a doctor, as infertility can be caused by illnesses, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and other factors. Depending on the cause, medicinal mushrooms may be used. However, their effects take time. This is important to know to avoid disappointment.
What nutrients do pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant need?
Medicinal mushrooms alone do not cover the increased need for nutrients before, during, and after pregnancy. Therefore, you should definitely pay attention to a balanced diet. These nutrients are particularly important for you during this time:
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Iodine: A deficiency increases the risk of premature birth and miscarriage. Developmental disorders in the baby are also possible. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily supplement of 100 to 150 µg for pregnant women.
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Folic acid: This B vitamin plays a crucial role from the very first minute of life, as it is essential for cell division and blood formation. Therefore, it's important to ensure your body has a good supply of folic acid even before you become pregnant. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a varied diet, fortified foods such as iodized salt, and/or dietary supplements to ensure adequate intake.
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Iron: This mineral contributes to normal blood formation. If you are found to have a deficiency, supplements may be necessary.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: They are important for brain development and can be taken as supplements on the advice of a doctor.
Medicinal and medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy: Conclusion
In principle, pregnant and breastfeeding women can also use medicinal mushrooms and thus benefit from their positive effects on the body and immune system. However, you should consult a doctor or naturopath before starting treatment with medicinal mushrooms. If they are familiar with mycotherapy, they can recommend the right mushroom or combination of mushrooms for your individual needs or ailments, as different mushrooms have different effects. You can find more information about individual mushrooms in our blog.
Furthermore, a balanced diet should be part of your daily routine during pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is essential for the health of both of you. You can get information and advice on this from your doctor, midwife, or the German Nutrition Society (DGE) .
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824671/
https://praxis-sterebogen.de/vitalpilze/
https://www.gfvs.ch/vitalpilze/faq/
