A new perspective on Bone Health:
When we think about bone health, nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D usually take centre stage. Yet modern research is revealing a more complex picture. Bone metabolism is influenced not only by mineral intake, but also by gut microbiome composition, inflammatory balance, physical activity and cellular energy metabolism.
This emerging concept, sometimes described as the gut–bone axis, highlights how digestive health and microbial metabolism influence the body’s ability to utilise calcium effectively.
A growing body of research suggests that functional mushrooms (mycotherapy) may interact with several of these pathways simultaneously. Rather than acting as direct calcium supplements, medicinal mushrooms may help support the biological systems that regulate calcium absorption and bone remodelling.
Why Calcium Absorption is only part of the Story:
Calcium is essential for bone density and skeletal strength, muscle contraction, nerve signalling and hormonal communication.
However, simply consuming calcium does not guarantee that the body will absorb and utilise it efficiently. Several factors influence calcium metabolism including gut microbiome diversity, intestinal barrier function, vitamin D activation, inflammatory signalling, hormonal balance and physical activity.
Strategies supporting gut health, inflammation control and metabolic resilience may therefore play an important role in maintaining healthy bones.
The Gut-Bone Axis
The gut microbiota plays a central role in regulating nutrient absorption, including minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Beneficial gut bacteria help ferment dietary fibres into short‑chain fatty acids, improve mineral solubility in the intestine and regulate immune signalling that influences bone turnover.
Functional mushrooms contain prebiotic fibres and polysaccharides that may nourish beneficial microbial communities. Among the most important of these compounds are β-(1→3),(1→6)-D-glucans, complex polysaccharides known to influence immune and microbial pathways [1].
What does the Research Say?
Recent research has begun exploring how mushroom compounds interact with gut microbiota and bone cells.
Kerezoudi et al. (2021) investigated the fermentation of the mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum by the gut microbiota of healthy and osteopenic women. The study demonstrated that mushroom extracts were fermented by gut microbiota, suggesting potential prebiotic effects.
Importantly, fermentation products influenced osteoblast activity, the cells responsible for building bone tissue, suggesting that mushroom‑derived metabolites may help support bone formation processes [2].
Mushrooms of Interest for Bone Metabolism:
Several functional mushrooms are of interest when considering the gut–bone axis and skeletal metabolism.
Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps is widely recognised for its role in energy metabolism and endurance physiology. It contains compounds including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides and antioxidants.
Research indicates that Cordyceps sinensis may stimulate osteoblast activity, the bone‑forming cells responsible for producing new bone tissue [3]. Cordyceps may also indirectly support skeletal health by improving endurance and encouraging physical activity. Mechanical loading from movement remains one of the strongest physiological signals for bone formation.
Pleurotus ostreatus
Pleurotus ostreatus contains β‑glucans, ergothioneine, polyphenols and prebiotic fibres. Research suggests this mushroom may influence gut microbial fermentation, producing metabolites that interact with bone‑forming cells.
The work by Kerezoudi et al. (2021) demonstrated that fermentation products from Pleurotus extracts may stimulate osteoblast activity [2].
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Ganoderma lucidum contains triterpenoids, β‑glucans, sterols and antioxidant compounds.
Reishi’s potential relevance to bone health may lie in its ability to regulate inflammatory signalling pathways, support antioxidant defence and influence gut microbiota metabolism. Because chronic inflammation is associated with accelerated bone resorption, immune‑modulating compounds in Reishi may help support balanced bone remodelling [4].
Which Bioactive Compounds Support the Gut-Bone Axis?
Functional mushrooms contain several compounds that may indirectly support bone metabolism:
• β-(1→3),(1→6)-D-glucans – prebiotic fibres that nourish beneficial gut bacteria
• Ergothioneine – an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage
• Polysaccharides – associated with immune modulation and microbiome interactions
• Sterols and polyphenols – compounds supporting metabolic and inflammatory balance
Through these combined actions, mushrooms may help support the biological environment required for optimal mineral absorption and bone turnover.
Take our online test or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and offers.