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

no recipes found

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	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut Microbiome	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Supports gut barrier integrity; nutrient deficiencies including vitamin D disrupt tight junctions, increasing permeability
Hormonal Response	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD	Modulates neurotrophic factors vital for survival and growth of neurons; supports calcium homeostasis and calcium handling
Mitochondrial Support	Selenium	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Protects mitochondria from oxidative damage through antioxidant enzyme activity
Mitochondrial Support	Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Niacinamide)	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Replenishes NAD+, supporting oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin signaling, and mitochondrial biogenesis; key for neuronal energy metabolism
Oxidative Stress	Selenium	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and other antioxidant systems, protecting membranes and mitochondria from oxidative damage
Stress Response	Vitamin D	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD	Modulates immune responses to reduce inflammation in the brain; supports stress response through neurotrophic and immune effects

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