Why do we choose the whole fruiting body as well as the mycelium of mushrooms?

In the world of mushroom supplements, marketing terms are often thrown around: “100% fruiting body” sounds pure, but does not automatically mean that the product is better. At Kala Health, we consciously choose to use a combination of fruiting body and mycelium because it provides a more complete nutritional profile. Transparent, substantiated and safe.

“Mushrooms convert soil nutrients into hundreds of valuable compounds. But they can also absorb contaminants. That’s why I want to see every growing site with my own eyes as well as have every batch double tested.“
– Paul Klein Breteler, product developer Kala Health

Table of contents

• Composition: what is what?
• Nutrient profile and extraction method.
• How do β-glucans actually work?
• Grain-free mycelium: what really counts?
• Why not choose 10:1 extracts?
• Who is this mix suitable for?
• Quality assessment: from substrate to capsule
• Conclusion
• Sources (APA 7)
  
• On health claims and our limits as a brand
• About the author: Jesse

Composition: what is what?

The fruiting body is the visible part of the mushroom, the “cap” and the “stalk. Many bioactive compounds such as triterpenes, polyphenols, B vitamins and fiber are found here. Mycelium, the root network of the mushroom, lives underground or in substrate. It has a different composition: it contains a higher diversity of polysaccharides, enzymes, and unique prebiotic fibers.

Both parts contribute to the nutritional and structural profile of mushrooms. For example, this recent systematic review confirms that both mycelium and fruiting body provide functional compounds with potential nutritional applications (Lindequist, 2016).

Nutrient profile and extraction method.

We use 1:1 water extracts obtained by double extraction with hot water, followed by vacuum drying and spray drying. This retains water-soluble polysaccharides, trace elements and structural proteins. Unlike concentrated extracts (e.g. 10:1), these are not standardized with fillers such as maltodextrin.

A 1:1 extract represents maximum nutritional matrix integrity. As a review shows, many commercial supplements with high extraction ratios significantly dilute or chemically alter polysaccharides, leading to lower biological recognition (Valverde et al., 2015).

At Kala Health, we batch guarantee a β-glucan content ≥ 30%, verified by the Megazyme test method (K-YBGL), in accordance with the standard within clinical nutrition research (Chen et al., 2021).

How do β-glucans actually work?

β-glucans are complex, non-digestible carbohydrates. In mushrooms, they occur mainly as β-(1,3)/ (1,6)-glucans, a specific structure that affects their interaction with the human immune system. Unlike grain β-glucans (such as from oats, which have β-(1,4) bonds), mushroom glucans are more highly branched. This explains their different role within nutritional science (Vetvicka & Oliveira, 2019).

Although we make no health claims on these, several publications point to their nutritional relevance. The molecular structure and purity determine how well these glucans are recognized by the body (Chan et al., 2022).

Grain-free mycelium: what really counts?

A well-known objection to mycelium in supplements is the risk of substrate contamination (such as rice or millet). We use fully extracted mycelium powders without detectable grains. This is confirmed in our own COAs as well as additional Eurofins analysis. The combination of fruiting body and pure mycelium delivers:

• broader polysaccharide profile (1,3-β and 1,6-β compounds)
• structural matrix proteins
• Specific metabolites such as adenosine (for Cordyceps)

A recent meta-analysis highlights that mycelial extracts may actually provide additional value if they are grain-free and properly extracted (Hobbs, 2021).

Why not choose 10:1 extracts?

Extracts with high ratios such as 10:1 or 20:1 sound impressive, but the ratio says nothing about the content. Many 10:1 extracts are obtained with ethanol and then “standardized,” which in practice often means diluted with starch or maltodextrin.

Moreover, the comparison is misleading: a 1:1 extract can have a much higher content of active compounds, depending on the starting material. We therefore opt for fully transparent extraction without unclear standards.

Who is this mix suitable for?

This formula is designed for people seeking a daily, widely dosed mushroom supplement, with no artificial concentrates, no fillers, and an understanding of exactly what they are taking.

✔️ Plant-based user profile (vegan, organic, pure)
✔️ Informed consumers who understand the added value of full-spectrum
✔️ Complementary care professionals who take dosage, extraction method and control seriously

Without making claims, we do give you assurance that what is in the product is demonstrably clean, nutritious and consistent.

Quality assessment: from substrate to capsule

Our production is controllable at all levels:

• EU organic cultivation with SKAL certification
• No wild picking; controlled substrates only
• Independent lab verification at Eurofins (NL)
• COAs of each batch publicly available
• Production in the Netherlands in FSSC 22000-certified premises

The combination of these elements guarantees: no pesticides (LOQ 500+ screenings), no heavy metals above EU limits, and a pure nutrient base with no excipients.

Conclusion

The discussion fruiting body versus mycelium is unfairly black and white. What matters is origin, processing and transparency. At Kala Health, we choose both, because we know, control and analyze both.

Our Mushroom Mix combines fruiting bodies as well as mycelium in pure, unprocessed form. Each capsule contains measurable amounts of β-glucans, no excipients, and a complete nutritional matrix as nature intended.

Check out our Vegan Mushroom Mix here

Resources

Chen, W., Zhao, J., & Tian, Y. (2021). Dietary β-glucans: A review of biological activities. Journal of Functional Foods, 87, 104753. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2021.104753

Hobbs, C. (2021). Medicinal value of mushroom mycelium: a meta-analysis of composition and potential health applications. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 23(6), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021037921

Lindequist, U. (2016). Nutritional and therapeutic potential of mushrooms. British Journal of Nutrition, 115(8), 1141-1145. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114516000593

Valverde, M. E., Hernández-Pérez, T., & Paredes-López, O. (2015). Edible mushrooms: improving human health and promoting quality life. International Journal of Microbiology, 2015, 376387. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/376387

Vetvicka, V., & Oliveira, C. (2019). β-Glucans as modulators of immune functions. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 7(8), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2019.78001

Chan, G. C., Chan, W. K., & Sze, D. M. Y. (2022). The effects of β-glucans on immune responses. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 62(2), 147-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-021-08859-z

On health claims and our limits as a brand

Although many of our ingredients have been extensively researched, due to European legislation we are not allowed to mention on this website all the health benefits shown by scientific studies.

Would you like to know more about our products or formulas? We are happy to think along with you without any obligation.
Call us at (+31) (0)70 345-0290

About the author: Jesse

What I value most about my job is that every day I can contribute to promoting products that I fully support. The science and quality behind our nutritional supplements motivate me to make sure as many people as possible get to know them.

I feel at home in a team with a clear vision, that takes responsibility and has a passion for health and well-being.
I have a BSc in Health Sciences from the University of Twente. I combine this background with a master’s degree in marketing, focusing on transparent, substantive communication. No empty claims, but sharing knowledge: building a relationship based on trust and expertise.