McMyco Lion's Mane Extract Capsules, Pouch of 120

Lion's mane capsules look alike. The label is where they differ: mushroom or mycelium, plain powder or extract, and what else has been added. McMyco Lion's Mane extract capsules contain 400 mg of fruiting body extract each, plus vitamin C and zinc, in a pouch of 120.

What is in each McMyco Lion's Mane capsule

• Extract: 400 mg of Hericium erinaceus extract, organic and made from 100% fruiting body, according to McMyco
• Stated content: 30% polysaccharides and beta-glucans, or 120 mg per capsule
• Added: vitamin C and zinc
• Excipients: magnesium citrate and silicon dioxide
• Capsule: vegan, size 0
• Pack: pouch of 120 capsules

The 30% is one combined figure. McMyco does not say how much of it is beta-glucans alone.

Why the extract is made with water and ethanol

McMyco calls this a full-spectrum extract. Two solvents are used because the compounds a producer wants do not all dissolve in the same liquid. Chitin, the tough material of the mushroom cell wall, opens up in hot water, and that is the stage where polysaccharides such as beta-glucans are collected. Makers of such extracts name hericenones and sterols as examples of a second group, which only alcohol takes up.

Fruiting body means the mushroom itself. One extract producer describes the common low-cost alternative, unextracted mycelium grown on grain, as diluted with starch.

How McMyco says to take it

McMyco's instruction is one capsule twice a day, during a meal, with water. That is 800 mg of extract a day, and a pouch lasts 60 days. If you already use a multivitamin or a zinc supplement, compare labels so you know your daily total.

Who should choose something else

If you want lion's mane with nothing added, this is not the product: vitamin C and zinc are part of the formula. Other shops also list a separate McMyco lion's mane blend, in which ginseng, amino acids and vitamins join the extract.

What to know

This is a food supplement. We make no claims about what it does for your health. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount, do not use it in place of a varied diet, and keep it out of reach of children. Ask your doctor first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have health complaints. Store the pouch closed in a cool, dark place.

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