As someone who works closely with natural ingredients, I've always been fascinated by compounds that have powerful health benefits. In recent years, one compound, ergothioneine, has been gaining more and more attention. Today, I want to walk you through what ergothioneine really is, why our bodies need it, and – most importantly – which foods are the highest natural sources of ergothioneine. Along the way, I'll also cover how our ergothioneine powder offers a more stable and effective dietary alternative.
What is ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring thiol-containing amino acid that was first discovered in ergot fungi and later found in various mushrooms and animal tissues. It is not synthesized by animals or humans, but is instead obtained entirely through the diet.
What makes it unique is its powerful antioxidant properties. Unlike more common antioxidants, ergothioneine accumulates in cells and tissues that are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain, and protects them from DNA damage and inflammation[1].It works synergistically with other antioxidants such as glutathione and NAD+, but is unique in that it is selectively taken up by cells via the OCTN1 transporter, suggesting that the body recognizes its importance and has evolved a mechanism to preserve it[2].
Why do we need ergothioneine?
Oxidative damage plays a role in the development of chronic disease and cognitive decline as we age. Studies have shown that higher plasma ergothioneine levels are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and frailty in older adults[3].A longitudinal study in Singapore showed that older adults with higher plasma ergothioneine concentrations had significantly lower rates of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease over a five-year period[4].Since our bodies cannot make this substance, the only way to maintain healthy levels is through our diet. And this is where things get interesting.
What foods contain ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is primarily found in fungi, with smaller amounts in animal organs and some plant foods. Here is a comparison:
| Food Source | Ergothioneine Content (mg/kg dry weight) |
|---|---|
| Chanterelle mushroom | 7,000 [5] |
| King oyster mushroom | 4,950 |
| Shiitake mushroom | 1,150 |
| Chicken liver | 120 |
| Kidney beans | 40 |
| Oats | 20 |
Clearly, wild mushrooms-especially chanterelles-are the richest known source of ergothioneine.
Why Mushrooms Are So Rich in Ergothioneine
Of all foods, wild mushrooms consistently rank high. Chanterelles, for example, can contain more than 7 mg of ergothioneine per gram of dry weight, 350 times more than oats or legumes[5].
So what's so special about mushrooms? Certain fungi possess ergothioneine biosynthesis genes, such as egtA through egtE, that allow them to produce this compound in the wild to protect against oxidative stress[6]. This evolutionary trait not only protects the mushrooms themselves, but also benefits the people who eat them.
Challenges of Dietary Ergothioneine
While it may be tempting to increase your ergothioneine intake by eating more mushrooms, this approach has some limitations:
1. Contents vary by mushroom species and growing conditions
2. Wild varieties like chanterelles are expensive and highly seasonal
3. Cooking and storage reduce ergothioneine content
4. Effective daily doses are difficult to achieve
High-purity ergothioneine powders are where manufacturers and health-conscious consumers can make a difference.
Our Ergothioneine Powders: A Reliable Alternative
Our ergothioneine powders are made from natural fermentation or fungal extraction processes to maintain purity above 98%. The product is highly water-soluble and easy to incorporate into a variety of formulations: Anti-aging supplements,Cognitive health formulas,Sports and recovery nutrition.
Why choose our ergothioneine powder?
✔ High stability and bioavailability
✔ Batch-to-batch consistency
✔ Third-party testing support
✔ Scalable for OEM/ODM applications
Want to learn more or request a free sample? Feel free to contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com. We'd love to discuss how our ergothioneine powder can be the perfect fit for your brand.
References
[1] Paul BD, Snyder SH. The unusual amino acid L-ergothioneine is a physiologic cytoprotectant. Cell Death Differ. 2010;17(7):1134–1140.
[2] Gründemann D. The ergothioneine transporter (ETT): expression, function, and structure. FEBS Lett. 2012;586(23):3674–3679.
[3] Cheah IK, Halliwell B. Ergothioneine; antioxidant potential, physiological function and role in disease. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1822(5):784–793.
[4] Cheah IK et al. Ergothioneine levels in an elderly population decrease with age and are associated with cognitive function. Free Radic Res. 2016;50(6):564–573.
[5] Dubost NJ, Beelman RB, Peterson D. Identification and quantification of ergothioneine in cultivated mushrooms by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2006;8(3):215–222.
[6] Melville DB, Eich S. The biosynthesis of ergothioneine from histidine. J Biol Chem. 1956;219(1):335–343.