Turkey Tail Mushroom
Overview
Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a common medicinal mushroom found worldwide, recognized by its colorful, banded appearance resembling a turkey's tail. It is particularly rich in polysaccharides, including polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP), which have been extensively studied for their immune-modulating properties. Turkey Tail supports gut microbiome diversity and may help modulate immune responses. It is one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms for immune support and is commonly consumed as a tea, extract, or supplement.
Food Context
Sourcing
- Store dried mushrooms in a cool, dry place away from light
Preparation
- Most commonly consumed as a tea, extract, or supplement rather than whole mushroom
- Dried Turkey Tail can be simmered to make a tea
- Extracts may provide more concentrated polysaccharides
- The mushroom itself is tough and not typically consumed whole
Recipes
Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)
Core nutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 33 kcal | — |
| Protein | 2.2 g | — |
| Total fat | 0.4 g | — |
| Carbohydrates | 6.8 g | — |
| Fibre | 3.1 g | — |
Key micronutrients
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g | % RDA per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4.1% |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg | 4.5% |
| Magnesium | 10.5 mg | 2.5% |
| Selenium | 0.4 µg | 0.7% |
| Calcium | 0.4 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 375.9 mg | 11.1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg | 6.2% |
Bioactive compounds
Values below are often from specialist compositional databases or literature, not the standard USDA panel. Asterisks (*) refer to source notes at the bottom of this section.
| Compound / class | Amount per 100 g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ALA | 671 mg | — |
Note: Bioactive-compound values vary substantially by cultivar, species, cocoa or oil percentage, processing, and brand formulation. Show quantitative values only where a defensible source exists; otherwise prefer qualitative presence statements or ranges in source notes.
Substances
Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).
11 substances in this food
Beta-Glucans
Polysaccharides with immune-modulating properties found in mushrooms and other foods
Polysaccharides
Complex carbohydrates with immune-modulating and gut microbiome supporting properties
Vitamin B3 (Niacin; Niacinamide)
NAD+ precursor; supports mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production
Iron
Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)
Zinc
Cofactor in neurotransmission and antioxidant enzymes; dopamine modulation
Magnesium
Enzymatic cofactor (>300 reactions); neurotransmitters; mitochondria; redox balance
Selenium
Antioxidant enzyme cofactor (GPx); supports redox balance
Calcium
Bone health; neurotransmission; interacts with vitamin D and K2
Potassium
Electrolyte for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine → PLP)
PLP cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis; relies on brain PDXK activation
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
Essential omega-3 precursor; limited conversion to DHA/EPA
References
- Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is rich in polysaccharides, particularly PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide-peptide)
- Extensively researched for immune-modulating properties
- Supports gut microbiome diversity
- One of the most studied medicinal mushrooms for immune support