An expert reveals why lion’s mane supplements live up to their hype as it helps balance hormones, regulate stress, improve immune function and gut health.
Over the last couple of months, the wellness industry has seen the rise of a superfood which has since been widely recommended by health experts, medical practitioners, beauty gurus and dieticians – it's mushrooms! With the world waking up to the various benefits mushrooms offer, mushroom-based supplements, powdered mixes for teas and smoothies, mushroom coffee blends, gummies and chocolates have been flooding the markets much like ‘mushrooms after a rain’.
While there are multiple beneficial mushrooms and supplements out there, we found that lion’s mane supplements are particularly useful for women and a wide range of issues they face. Lion’s mane is a kind of mushroom that gets its name from the white, mane-like appearance of its body. As an adaptogen, it works to find balance and regulate stress hormones while also supporting your immune system, gut health and cognitive function.
To understand more about how lion’s mane mushrooms function as a supplement, we spoke to Sophie Barrett who is Head of Education and Mycotherapy Adviser at Hifas da Terra, one of the world’s leading mushroom research bioscience company.
How does Lion’s mane work?
“As a medicinal mushroom and an adaptogen, lion’s mane supplements mainly work on the gut-brain axis. It acts as a prebiotic and feeds the good bacteria in the gut, working with the body’s native gut microbiome, which gives the body a chance to work with what it already has and find natural equilibrium,” Sophie Barrett explains.
“Most of the mushroom’s positive action and health benefits can be linked to its ability tobalance the gut microbiome and thereby also positively impact your mood and cognition as it can influence the gut-brain axis,” she adds.
Best lion’s mane supplements at a glance
Lion’s Mane benefits
As a medicinal mushroom, lion’s mane is especially recommended for women as they often struggle with mood, mental stress, cognition and gut health issues as result of juggling a lot of things.
“Lion’s mane can correct your gut microbiome which can positively affect your mood. Lots of people also suffer from leaky gut due to the high exposure to chemicals. Lion’s mane helps to heal the gut lining,” says Sophie.
The concentrated extract is also great for a therapeutic effect on brain.
“It is proven to increase nerve growth factor in the brain which starts to naturally decline when you hit the 50s and 60s and this is a naturally occurring substance in mushrooms.”
“So, adding lion’s mane to your diet can help with issues like memory loss, lack of focus, increasing concentration and for those women entering perimenopause and menopause who might be starting to experience brain fog,” she adds.
Is Lion's Mane powder or capsules better?
Sophie explains how both forms are very different in nature and what it does for your body, so you can choose what best suits your needs.
“The powder form is more rich in prebiotics making it suitable for those who are looking to improve their gut health and nourish the good bacteria with more fibre. You can mix them into drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, soups, stews or broths. It is also available at a much more accessible price point.”
“The more concentrated extract of the mushrooms are usually available as capsules and while they have less prebiotics in them, this form is best if you are looking for a therapeutic effect on brain,” Sophie says.
Best lion’s mane supplements
Best lion’s mane supplement overall
Enriched with Vitamin B1 to support mental performance, alertness, and concentration along with Black Pepper to aid the absorption of lion's mane extract, Nutrition Geeks Lion’s Mane Focus+ is perfect for anyone looking for a supplement to give them a mental and physical boost. It promotes nerve growth factor which improves focus, memory and mental clarity. It is also known to strengthen your immune system.
Reviewers shared that they have noticed changes in energy level, focus and clarity within 3 weeks of use. One reviewer shared, “I work a mix of day and night shifts and this supplement has really helped me stay focused without the caffeine.”
A perimenopausal customer aged 47 shared that she started taking these supplements when she decided to go back to university and was suffering from brain fog. “I’ve seen the difference and I have managed to score straight A’s throughout,” she added.
Pros
- Easy to swallow
- No aftertaste and comes with a mild natural aroma
- Vegan friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, cruelty-free
Cons
- In the case of some reviewers, it took longer for positive changes to be seen
Best organic lion’s mane supplement
hifasdaterra.com
The Hericium Digest Powder Superfood (Organic Lion’s Mane) by Hifas da Terra is a premium quality lion’s mane supplement you can take in powder form by mixing it into broths, soups, sauces, juices or smoothies. This product comes highly recommended by expert Sophie Barrett, the Head of Education and Mycotherapy Adviser at Hifas da Terra and she regularly takes it herself. The blend is rich in fibre and bioactive substances which helps in maintaining a healthy gut by supporting digestion and promoting healthy intestinal flora. As a result, it also improves cognitive performance, in terms of concentration, memory and focus. Reviewers who have been using the powder shared that it helped a lot with digestion and that they will be ordering it again.
Pros
- Supports gut health
- Helps with digestion
- Suitable for coeliacs, lactose-intolerant individuals, vegetarians and vegans
Cons
- Higher price point
Best value lion’s mane supplement
www.bulk.com
Bulk Lion’s Mane Capsules are great for supporting your health and wellbeing without breaking the bank every time you need to top up your stock of supplements. Enriched with 500mg lion’s mane extract per capsule, these are vegetarian and vegan friendly. One reviewer who has been taking them daily for over a month now said, “They are very high-quality capsules and perfect if you are experiencing brain fog. I pair mine with Omega-3 and a multivitamin which makes a big difference.”
Pros
- You can combine with other supplements
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly
Cons
- In the case of some reviewers, it took longer for positive changes to be seen
Best lion’s mane supplement for long-term use
A bottle of the Nutravita Organic Lions Mane Vegan Capsules come with 120 vegan capsules for a 4-month supply so you don’t have to keep buying more every month. With an added 10mg dosage of organic Black Pepper which helps to enhance the body’s absorption of lion’s mane extract, these capsules are easy to swallow, vegan friendly and contains no artificial colours or flavours. Reviewers who have been using this supplement shared that it has made a great difference to their health. “I can see that it has improved my attention and memory. The capsules are also very easy to swallow,” one reviewer said.
Pros
- Easy to swallow
- Vegan friendly
- Contains no artificial colours or flavours
- Improves attention and memory
Cons
- Some reviewers mentioned that these capsules might dry you out a little bit, so you might need to drink plenty of water in the afternoon
Best lion’s mane supplement blend
bettervits.co.uk
Bettervits Mushroom Powder is a blend of Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga and Reishi mushrooms designed to recharge, de-stress, enhance memory and sharpen your focus and attention. The supplement is also enriched with herbs and roots like Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, known for their adaptogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help support your wellbeing.
Reviewers shared that it tastes amazing and works as a great start to their day. “I have been using this supplement to help with my ADHD and I feel my focus and concentration has improved a lot,” one customer said, “I was experiencing brain fog and lack of energy. This has helped with that. It has certainly helped lower my caffeine consumption with no more energy crashes mid-day,” another reviewer added.
Pros
- Boosts mental focus and energy
- Tastes delicious just like hot chocolate
- Helps with brain fog, ADHD and anxiety
Cons
- Contains several varieties of mushrooms, so it might not be suitable for those who are looking for just lion’s mane extract
Best lion’s mane supplement powder
www.lookfantastic.com
DIRTEA Lion's Mane Powder is made with mushrooms that go through a double extraction process to ensure maximum efficacy. It can be mixed with water, shakes, smoothies or coffee and adds a light savoury flavour to your drink.One reviewer who has been using this supplement as a tea every morning on an empty stomach shared, “I feel more awake and alert. My memory also feels sharper and more improved. It also bring a sense of calm to me.”
Pros
- Can be mixed with water, shakes, smoothies or coffee
- Helps to improve focus, attention and memory
- Reduces anxiety and calms you down
Cons
- Several reviewers felt that the higher price point becomes an issue if you wish to consume it every day which means you will have to buy one monthly
Best lion’s mane supplement for gut health
healf.com
If you are looking for a good lion’s mane supplement to help improve your gut health, then the Hifas Microbiota capsules which contains pure extracts and powder of organic mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Pleurotus and Shiitake would be a good option. These capsules supply your body with bioactive substances and they are rich in fibre which helps to target gut issues like discomfort, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation and improve your digestive wellbeing. This product also comes highly recommended by the expert Sophie Barrett.
Pros
- Enhances digestive function
- Balances the intestinal flora
- Contains vitamin C and is rich in fibre
Cons
- Higher price point
Best lion’s mane supplement for energy
www.lookfantastic.com
The KIKI Health Organic Lion's Mane Extract Mushroom is cultivated on wood-rich substrate to mimic their natural habitat and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. These capsules provide you with the boost of energy needed to kick-start the day. They are also free from artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners and fillers, serving as a nutrifying addition to your diet. As a wheat-free and gluten-free option they are also suitable for coeliacs.
Reviewers speak highly about the efficiency of these capsules. “I found that they helped with energy even on nights when I have had less sleep,” said one customer. “It helped to improve my mood, focus and alertness. It also got rid of the constant cold I always suffered from,” another reviewer added.
Pros
- Boosts energy and improves focus
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Free from artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners and fillers
Cons
- Size of the capsules not mentioned
Best lion’s mane supplement for focus
www.boots.com
Grass & Co. FOCUS Lion's Mane Mushrooms are in the form of capsules enriched with Ginseng, Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 to enhance your cognitive function. With no additives, mycelium, grains or fillers, this supplement comes highly recommended by reviewers.
“I bought these supplements last week and they've already been a game-changer for my ADHD brain. My work and family life is hectic. But just after 7 days of use, I've noticed better concentration and ability to focus attention on what's important. I'm feeling less overwhelmed and more productive in general, and this is something everyone around me has noticed as well,” one reviewer added.
Pros
- Enriched with Ginseng, Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 to enhance your cognitive function
- No additives, mycelium, grains or fillers
- Helps with ADHD, focus and attention
Cons
- May not be suitable for those looking for pure mushroom extract as it contains other active ingredients
Best lion’s mane supplement for brain function
Real Mushrooms Lion's Mane is the perfect choice if you are looking for a supplement that will improve your cognitive functions like memory, attention and focus. It is especially useful for women experiencing brain fog as a symptom of menopause or perimenopause. “I have been taking them for two months now and they have improved my memory and cognitive skills. From the very first day, I no longer experienced cloudy brain,” one customer shared. Another reviewer who bought it for his wife who was suffering anxiety symptoms shared, “She doesn't get any physical feelings of anxiety when she takes it and she's been on it for 3 weeks now.”
Pros
- Helps with conditions like anxiety, Parkinsons, brain fog and lack of concentration
- Reduces stress and boosts energy
- You can see the positive changes quite quickly
Cons
- It might take longer for some people to notice changes as the effects may vary from person to person
FAQs
Which brand of lion's mane is best?
There are several brands available on the market offering premium quality lion’s mane extract in powder form, as capsules, gummies and drink mixes. We have listed Nutrition Geeks Lion’s Mane Focus+ as the best one to go for based on the large number of positive customer reviews, the affordable price point and quality assurance the brand provides. However, depending on your needs and preferences, there are various brands that offer the same level of quality and benefits.
What is the best form to take lion's mane?
The quality of the lion’s mane extract depends on the manufacturing process of different brands and the same quality is available in powder and capsule forms. So, it comes down to your preference. However, in the case of gummies and other flavoured forms, there are added flavours and sugar which are not essential. So, if you don’t mind the taste, it would be best to avoid such added ingredients.
How do I choose the best lion's mane supplement?
Expert Sophie Barrett says that it is important to check the labelling before you choose a lion’s mane supplement. “You need to make sure they are not grown on grains like rice, oats or other grain-based substrate which is quicker and cheaper. It is also important to make sure each capsule has 495 milligrams of lion's mane as is the case with standardized extracts," she says.
"I would also be wary of any powder supplement that mixes in too easily. For instance, these mushroom coffee blends often mix in too easily with water or milk. This is because the mushrooms are sprayed with a solvent which is not ideal. Natural mushroom powder will not dissolve that quickly.”
“If you're taking these supplements long term, then you want to avoid any fillers or additives and make sure you’re only consuming the pure extract or pure powder,” she adds.
Who should take lion’s mane supplements?
Anyone who wants to work on their brain health, memory, cognition and gut health can consider taking lion’s mane," says Sophie Barrett.
“It is highly recommended for digestive issues like acid reflux, gastritis, leaky gut or any overgrowth of H. Pylori. You will begin to see positive changes within a minimum of two months of using it,” she says.
“It can also be taken preventatively from the age of 30 onwards if you have a history of dementiaor Alzheimer's in the family. As a medical herbalist, I have younger clients who take it during exams to help with concentration, focus and retaining information.”
“There are also studies from Singapore highlighting the larger health properties of mushrooms, showing that eating two to three portions of culinary mushrooms a week can support your cognitive health, memory and overall health,” she adds.
Who should not take lion's mane?
“Lion's mane is not always suitable for everyone. It's useful to confirm that you have no allergies to culinary mushroom first. Then you want to start off on a lower dose and work up to a higher dose. Since it is doing a lot to correct your gut microbiome, you may experience some discomfort during the first one or two weeks,” says Sophie.
If you are pregnant or lactating, then some of the extracts are not recommended and it is always safe to consult a GP or medical professional for more guidance.
“With a concentrated extract, it's always good to consult with a health professional. But with mushroom powders, which is literally just finely milled mushroom, as long as you don’t have any pre-existing mushroom allergy, it's fine to introduce it into your diet,” adds Sophie.
However, if you feel lion’s mane is not suitable for you, then there are lots of other mushrooms that can support your gut health.
Can lion’s mane be taken with other supplements?
“The brand that I consult for, Hifas da Terra has conducted a study called the Medina Trial on their concentrated extracts which show that they're not going to affect other medications that people are taking,” Sophie says.
“It basically proves that there's no significant interaction on the drug liver pathway, making it suitable to be taken alongside even chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” she explains.
“However, we do recommend taking the concentrated extract forms of lion’s mane an hour away from other medications so that it does not affect the bioavailability and absorption of the extract,” Sophie adds.
Can I take lion’s mane forever or is it recommended to take breaks in between?
“As a herbalist, my personal recommendation is to take short breaks now and again if you need to stay on them for long. Particularly over the summer, when your immune system is stronger and you don't need as much support or when your stress levels have gone down, it will be good to take a break,” says Sophie.
“These things weren't available all year round in nature as well. So, I think it makes sense to take natural breaks. But with mushrooms, I can assure you that they are very safe to take long term as well,” she adds.
Meet the expert:
Sophie Barrett is the Head of Education and Mycotherapy Adviser at Hifas da Terra, one of the world’s leading mushroom research bioscience company. She is a fully licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Herbalist with 5 years of training and over 500 hours of clinical practice. Following this, she set up SharingPlantWisdom.com to educate and support patients on their journey to better health.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.