We all know minerals matter—calcium for bones, iron for energy—but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. These essential nutrients help your muscles fire, your brain send signals, and your immune system do its job. But here’s the twist: while we usually think of leafy greens and nuts as mineral-rich foods, mushrooms—especially Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM)—are a surprisingly powerful source, too.
What Minerals Actually Do for You
Your body relies on minerals to function properly. They help:
- Support nerve and muscle health
- Keep your bones and teeth strong
- Assist with fluid balance
- Help enzymes and hormones do their jobs
- Defend against oxidative stress
Since your body doesn’t produce minerals, it depends on what you eat. That’s where ABM mushrooms may offer gentle, food-based support.
Why Minerals Matter (More Than We Think)
Minerals are essential for so many daily functions:
- Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and hydration
- Iron supports oxygen flow and energy
- Copper and selenium play roles in antioxidant defense
- Magnesium and calcium are needed for muscle and bone support
- Zinc and vitamin D help keep your immune system in check
Since our bodies can’t make these on their own, we need to get them through food—or nature-based supplements like ABM.
How ABM Mushrooms Stack Up
A look at research published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms shows something exciting: ABM mushrooms are packed with more minerals than many other medicinal mushrooms. For example, when compared gram for gram (on a dry weight basis):
- Potassium: ABM has 5,200 mg/100g—nearly double that of Maitake or Shiitake
- Iron: A whopping 31.9 mg/100g in ABM compared to around 8 mg in Reishi
- Copper: ABM tops the list again with 4.28 mg/100g
- Selenium: ABM offers 0.35 mg/100g, far higher than the rest
- Vitamin D: 737 IU/100g in ABM, more than Reishi, Maitake, or Shiitake
- And it’s rich in B vitamins like niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and thiamine (B1), too.
| Nutrient | ABM | Reishi | Maitake | Shiitake | Turkey Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Potassium (mg) |
5,200 |
2,300 |
2,700 |
3,700 |
570 |
|
Iron (mg) |
31.9 |
7.6 |
505 |
8.7 |
1.9 |
|
Calcium (mg) |
36 |
37 |
31 |
26 |
34 |
|
Copper (mg) |
4.28 |
1.34 |
1.88 |
1.23 |
0.65 |
|
Selenium (mg) |
0.35 |
0.014 |
0.056 |
0.076 |
0.007 |
|
Vitamin D (mg) |
737 |
667 |
460 |
110 |
62 |
|
Niacin (B3, mg) |
58.5 |
12.4 |
64.8 |
20.4 |
9.3 |
|
Riboflavin (B2, mg) |
2.4 |
1.59 |
2.61 |
2.3 |
1.06 |
|
Thiamine (B1, mg) |
0.26 |
0.06 |
0.25 |
0.25 |
0.07 |
Source Mizuno, T. (2005). Medicinal Mushroom Nutritional Facts. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Vol. 7, Nos. 1 & 2, pp. 106–107.
From potassium and iron to selenium and copper, ABM comes out on top in many key categories, making it one of the most nutrient-dense mushrooms studied. That’s a lot of nutritional power in one little mushroom.
It’s Not Just What’s Inside—It’s How It’s Grown
The nutritional value of mushrooms depends a lot on where and how they’re grown. ABM mushrooms grown in the mineral-rich soils of Brazil—like the ones used in our products—benefit from a cleaner environment and traditional cultivation practices. The region of the Atlantic Rainforest has one of the most fertile soils in the world. and because we only use the fruiting body (not mycelium grown on grain), you’re getting the part of the mushroom that naturally holds the most nutrients.
This matters when you’re looking for whole-food-based support that your body can actually recognize and use.
Why Whole-Food Sourcing Matters
The minerals in ABM mushrooms are part of a whole-food matrix, not isolated in a lab. That means they come alongside enzymes, fiber, beta-glucans, and naturally occurring compounds like ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D2). This kind of synergy is what makes food-based nutrition so compelling.
And when ABM is grown in clean, mineral-rich Brazilian soil—without grain fillers or additives—you’re getting the fruiting body in its most potent and natural form.
A Natural Way to Fill the Gaps
Adding ABM mushroom extract to your wellness routine may offer gentle, natural support for those looking to nourish their body with real food-based nutrition. It’s not a replacement for a balanced diet, but for those wanting to add more plant-based minerals and vitamins into their lifestyle, ABM offers a well-rounded, earth-grown option.
Everyone’s needs are different, so if you’re navigating health concerns or are on medication, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before making changes.
Bibliography
- Mizuno, T. (2005). Medicinal Mushroom Nutritional Facts. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Vol. 7, Nos. 1 & 2, pp. 106–107.
- Vasconcelos, A. et al. (2019). Impact of Cultivation Substrates on the Nutritional Composition of Agaricus blazei. Plants, 8(9), 316. https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/8/9/316
- Wasser, S.P. (2011). Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 89, 1323–1332.
- Heleno, S.A. et al. (2015). Minerals and trace elements in wild mushrooms. Food Chemistry, 175, 378–384.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.