Are medicinal mushrooms suitable for children and teenagers?
Not everything that's good for adults is also beneficial for children. Caution is particularly advised with dietary supplements. Therefore, we frequently receive inquiries from parents about whether medicinal mushrooms are suitable for children. We've summarized the current findings in this area for you.
This is what studies, professional societies and other experts say
First of all: there are currently no studies investigating the effects of medicinal mushrooms on children. This is partly because medicinal mushrooms are not yet widely used in this country, and there is generally little scientific research on mushrooms in general. Previous studies on their effects in humans have been conducted on adults. This is also standard practice in research. Therefore, only anecdotal evidence and expert recommendations exist for their use in children. Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional and naturopathic medicine for over a hundred years almost worldwide, so there is a considerable amount of experience with them.
Would you like to learn more about the current state of knowledge regarding medicinal mushrooms, their ingredients and effects? Then you can find more information in our blog.
Consumer advice center: Dietary supplements for children
In 2019, the German consumer protection agency took a closer look at dietary supplements specifically marketed for children. These products are supposed to strengthen the immune system and improve concentration through an extra dose of vitamins and/or minerals. The result: The capsules and powders are often overdosed, unnecessarily expensive, loaded with sugar/sweeteners, and usually completely unnecessary. This is because young children are generally well-supplied with vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, some products can be mistaken for sweets. Fizzy bears and similar products with added vitamins can therefore create a misleading impression.
The conclusion: Children primarily need a healthy, balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and exercise in the fresh air. We agree. The use of medicinal mushrooms should always be used only as a supplement to these prerequisites for health and can never replace them.
Society for Vital Mushrooms (GVFS): Medicinal Mushrooms for Children
The Swiss Society for Medicinal Mushrooms (of which we at smaints are also members, by the way) answers the question of whether medicinal mushrooms are suitable for children with a clear "yes." They even report their use in infants. They consider the mushrooms particularly beneficial for neurodermatitis and for general strengthening. Their theory: The mushrooms work exceptionally well for children because their bodies are not yet under as much stress. However, they also point out that the dosage should be adjusted. A gradual increase would avoid side effects such as bloating. In principle, treatment is possible with both powders and extracts.
Furthermore, according to the GVFS (German Society for the Study of Medicinal Products), the use of medicinal mushrooms is also permitted during pregnancy. Learn more about this topic here .
Experiences of therapists
Doctors and alternative practitioners who offer mycotherapy report positive experiences treating children. They use medicinal mushrooms, for example, for digestive problems, susceptibility to infections, ADHD, or skin conditions such as eczema. Here, too, an adjusted dosage and a course of therapy lasting at least six to eight weeks are recommended. When used in this way, the mushrooms are often very well tolerated.
We recommend that you consult a doctor or naturopath if your child is acutely ill. Together you can find a solution and may use medicinal mushrooms as part of the treatment.
Mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Medicinal mushrooms are relatively new to our region, but in many parts of the world they are an integral part of traditional medicine. There, children and adolescents are routinely treated with mushrooms such as Reishi, Hericium, or Cordyceps without any known side effects. Of course, the dosage is always individually adjusted.
Mycotherapy, a major branch of modern naturopathy, originated from traditional medicine. It relies on the effects of the plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances contained in medicinal mushrooms. New research can ideally complement this ancient knowledge.
Medicinal mushrooms for children: Conclusion and recommendation for smaints products
Medicinal mushrooms (and other supplements) should not replace a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, or exercise in the fresh air. Nor should they. The mushrooms are intended as a supplement, and as such, they are beneficial and effective.
We recommend half the daily dose of medicinal mushroom products for children six years and older. You can also start with an even lower daily dose and then gradually increase it depending on tolerance. If you have an acute illness or are taking other medications, you should discuss the use of medicinal mushrooms with your doctor or naturopath. Mycotherapy may be beneficial!
For smaints vital mushroom products: Click here!
- Targeted application (e.g. supporting the immune system)
- Easy to use, even for children
- Good taste = easy integration into everyday life
- No sugar & no unnecessary extras
Sources:
https://www.gfvs.ch/vitalpilze/faq/
https://www.hebamme-berg-am-laim.de/mykotherapie.html
https://www.vitalpilze.de/krankheiten/hautkrankheit/22
