Is Reishi Mushroom Safe During Pregnancy? Safety & Nutrition

When you're pregnant, every ingredient matters—and that includes mushrooms. One mushroom that often comes up in wellness conversations is reishi mushroom pregnancy supplements.

Many women ask, "Is reishi safe during pregnancy?", and as part of the growing trend in reishi pregnancy use, concerns about its potential benefits and risks are common. In this article, we break down the nutritional benefits of mushrooms, highlight which types are safe to consume during this delicate time, and discuss those you should avoid altogether.

Understanding reishi mushroom

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Touted for its potential immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties, this fungus has found its way into many supplements and health products. However, its growing popularity doesn't necessarily equate to safety, especially during pregnancy.

Nutritional benefits of mushrooms during pregnancy

While reishi is most often consumed for its medicinal properties, it's worth noting that mushrooms in general—especially culinary varieties like shiitake, oyster, and maitake—offer impressive nutritional benefits during pregnancy.

Mushrooms are naturally low in fat and calories but rich in essential nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy. A half-cup (about 84 grams) of cooked mushrooms provides:

• Carbohydrates: 19 grams
• Protein: 2.9 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams
• Niacin (vitamin B3): 21% of daily value (DV)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 22% DV
• Selenium: 27% DV

These nutrients play critical roles in energy production, immune function, and antioxidant protection. Mushrooms also act as prebiotics, which help nourish beneficial gut bacteria—an important factor in overall health during pregnancy.

Some mushrooms, particularly those exposed to UV light, are also a rare plant-based source of vitamin D. This nutrient supports bone development and may help reduce the risk of complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

While reishi supplements are not typically used for their nutrition alone, understanding the broader health value of mushrooms can help you make informed dietary decisions during pregnancy.

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Safety concerns during pregnancy

Lack of reliable safety data

One of the primary issues with reishi mushroom use during pregnancy is the lack of high-quality research on its effects on pregnant women and their developing fetuses. This lack of data makes it challenging to determine its safety conclusively.

Potential bleeding risk

Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding, which could be particularly problematic during pregnancy and childbirth. This effect could potentially lead to complications, especially if combined with other medications that affect blood clotting.

Effects on blood pressure

Reishi has been observed to lower blood pressure. While this might seem beneficial, sudden changes in blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby.

Possible liver toxicity

Some studies suggest that prolonged use of reishi might have toxic effects on the liver. Given the liver's crucial role in processing nutrients and toxins during pregnancy, this potential risk is concerning.

Insights from animal studies

While human studies are lacking, some animal research provides insights:

• A study on diabetic pregnant rats showed that reishi reduced glycemic response, decreased liver enzymes, and improved fetal measurements.

Expert guidelines and recommendations

Given the lack of conclusive safety data, most health authorities recommend the following:

1. Avoid use: Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid using reishi mushroom supplements during pregnancy due to the lack of evidence proving they’re safe to use.
2. Consult a healthcare provider: Always discuss the use of any supplements, including reishi, with a qualified healthcare professional before use during pregnancy.
3. Watch out for supplements: While medicinal mushrooms traditionally eaten as food (like shiitake or maitake) are generally considered safe during pregnancy, concentrated reishi supplements may pose more risks.
4. Consider timing: If planning to use reishi, it's recommended to speak with your doctor first and stop at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery, including cesarean sections.

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Get your personalized vitamin recommendations in less than 3 minutes.

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Potential interactions with pregnancy medications

Reishi mushroom may interact with several medications commonly used during pregnancy:

Safe mushrooms to eat during pregnancy

While reishi mushrooms require extra caution during pregnancy, many mushrooms are considered safe and nutritious when properly prepared. Here’s a breakdown of culinary and medicinal mushrooms that may be safe to eat:

Culinary mushrooms (generally considered safe when cooked):

• Shiitake: May lower triglyceride levels; shown to be safe in animal studies.
• Portobello: A rich source of B vitamins and fiber.
• Oyster: Higher in protein and fiber compared to other types.
• Maitake: Contains antioxidants and immune-supporting compounds.
• Chestnut: Mild in flavor and high in nutrients.
• Crimini: Also known as baby bellas; a good source of selenium.
• White button: Shown to lower the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in clinical studies.

Medicinal mushrooms (use with caution and only under medical guidance):

• Reishi: Potential immune support, but limited pregnancy-specific research.
• Chaga: Known for its antioxidant content.
• Turkey tail: May support gut health and immunity.
• Lion’s mane: May promote brain and nerve health.
• Cordyceps: Often used for energy and endurance.

When considering supplements, some may wonder about using reishi mushroom while pregnant. In fact, it’s important to note that even among experts, opinions on reishi during pregnancy can vary. While some practitioners report benefits with reishi mushroom during pregnancy, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Mushrooms to avoid during pregnancy

Not all mushrooms are safe during pregnancy—some carry serious risks due to their psychoactive effects or potential for toxicity. Here are the types you should avoid:

Unsafe or high-risk mushrooms:

• Magic mushrooms (Psilocybin): Contain hallucinogenic compounds that may cause panic attacks, hallucinations, and other neurological effects. No studies confirm safety during pregnancy—avoid completely.
• Wild/foraged mushrooms: Can be easily misidentified, even by experienced foragers. Toxic species may cause severe gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, or even death. Only consume mushrooms from trusted, labeled sources.

Remember to always choose store-bought culinary mushrooms from reputable sources, and avoid any mushroom if you're unsure of its identity or safety.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about reishi mushroom's safety during pregnancy.

Final thoughts

Mushrooms can be a valuable addition to a pregnancy diet when chosen wisely. While varieties like shiitake, maitake, and white button mushrooms are nutrient-rich and generally safe, medicinal mushrooms can be more complex.

Although many consider reishi while pregnant as a potential supplement, the available data remains inconclusive. Research on reishi mushroom in pregnancy is still emerging, and early studies on reishi in pregnancy offer preliminary insights but not definitive guidance.

Ultimately, understanding reishi and pregnancy together is key: if you're considering any reishi supplement, consult your healthcare provider to ensure that it aligns with your overall health plan.

Sources and references

• Ganoderma lucidum Modulates Glucose, Lipid Peroxidation and Hepatic Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats
• Reishi Mushroom: MedlinePlus Supplements
• Safety and Effectiveness of Medicinal Mushrooms in Pregnancy
• Reishi mushrooms: Benefits, side effects, and dosage
• REISHI MUSHROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
• A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of Ganoderma lucidum for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors of metabolic syndrome - PMC