Does ergothioneine help prevent age-related problems such as impaired cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or cataract, and is it safe?

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Ergothioneine in Mushrooms

Written by Meredith Worthington, Ph.D. — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated December 04, 2023 ⓘ

Various types of mushrooms that contain ergothioneine in a wooden bowl on a wooden countertop

Answer:

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid produced by mushrooms and other fungi and found in certain foods.

For details about studies with ergothioneine and its potential use for cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cataract, and kidney disease, as well as information about the safety and cost of supplements containing ergothioneine and dietary sources of ergothioneine (such as shiitake mushroom, lion's mane and reishi mushroom, sign in as ConsumerLab member.

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