Mushrooms
Overview
Mushrooms, especially UV-exposed varieties, provide vitamin D and niacin (B3) for NAD+ synthesis, supporting mitochondrial function and brain health. UV-exposed mushrooms as a source of vitamin D. Niacin-rich foods (e.g., salmon, chicken breast, turkey, peanuts, and mushrooms) support NAD+ availability, glutathione synthesis, and mitochondrial health. Niacin (Vitamin B₃): Directly converted to NAD+ via salvage pathway; food sources include chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, mushrooms, peanuts, whole grains.
Recipes
1 recipe containing this food
Savoury Greens & Egg Breakfast Skillet
A warm savoury breakfast skillet with eggs, greens, and slow carbohydrates for steady morning energy.
Substances
3 substances in this food
Selenium
Antioxidant enzyme cofactor (GPx); supports redox balance
Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Niacinamide)
NAD+ precursor; supports mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production
Vitamin D
Neurotrophic and immune modulation; calcium homeostasis
Preparation Notes
- UV-exposed mushrooms provide vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol); targets foods providing essential brain supporting vitamins: D (UV-exposed mushrooms; fortified plant milks/yogurts)
- Cooking may enhance some nutrient bioavailability
- Include in diverse plant food rotation; dietary diversity (≥30 plant foods per week) supports microbial richness and resilience
- UV-grown mushrooms mentioned as functional food innovation
Biological Target Matrix
| Biological Target | Substance | Contribution Level | Therapeutic Areas | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS) | Polysaccharides | Contextual / minor contributor | Act as prebiotics supporting beneficial gut bacteria; enhance microbial diversity; support SCFA production; modulate gut barrier integrity | |
| Inflammation & Oxidative Stress | Polysaccharides | Contextual / minor contributor | Immune-modulating properties; may help reduce inflammatory responses; support immune cell function | |
| Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics | Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Niacinamide) | Contextual / minor contributor | Replenishes NAD+, supporting oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin signaling, and mitochondrial biogenesis; key for neuronal energy metabolism |
References
- UV-exposed mushrooms as a source of vitamin D
- Niacin-rich foods (e.g., salmon, chicken breast, turkey, peanuts, and mushrooms) support NAD+ availability, glutathione synthesis, and mitochondrial health
- Niacin (Vitamin B₃): Directly converted to NAD+ via salvage pathway; food sources include chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, mushrooms, peanuts, whole grains Pirinen et al. 2020
- Targets foods providing essential brain supporting vitamins: D (UV-exposed mushrooms; fortified plant milks/yogurts)
- UV-grown mushrooms mentioned as functional food innovation