In the age of advanced nutrition and biohacking, food is no longer seen solely as sustenance—but as a functional tool to influence immunity, metabolism, and even cognition. At the heart of this transformation lies a fascinating array of ingredients, each validated by emerging scientific evidence. Among them, Pleurotus eryngii, vitamin D₂, beta-glucans, and unprocessed cocoa have emerged as heroes of the microbiome, immunity, and metabolic health. This article gathers compelling clinical and pre-clinical findings to illuminate how these natural compounds may reshape our approach to well-being and longevity.

1. Glycemic Control and Appetite Regulation

A randomized crossover study involving individuals with metabolically unhealthy obesity found that meals incorporating Pleurotus eryngii significantly improved postprandial glycemia. Participants who consumed the mushroom-based meal experienced:

• Reduced blood glucose spikes after eating

• Lower secretion of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone”

• Enhanced satiety and reduced appetite

These effects are believed to stem from Pleurotus eryngii’s polysaccharides, which may inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and delay gastric emptying—offering promising support for those managing metabolic disorders.

2. Immunomodulatory Effects via Gut Fermentation

In elderly subjects, Pleurotus eryngii underwent in vitro fermentation using fecal microbiota samples. The resulting metabolites were shown to:

• Alter macrophage gene expression

• Modulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10)

• Shift peripheral blood mononuclear cell profiles

This suggests that the fermentation products of Pleurotus eryngii can influence immune function through gut-immune signaling pathways, offering potential for aging-related immune support.

3. Prebiotic Action and Microbiome Modulation

Further studies reveal that Pleurotus eryngii consumption can enhance gut microbiota composition. In vitro fermentation with elderly fecal samples showed:

• Increased growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

• Greater production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate and propionate

These outcomes highlight Pleurotus eryngii’s role as a prebiotic ingredient—nourishing the microbiome and contributing to overall gut and immune health.

4. Genoprotective Properties

An additional study demonstrated that fermentation metabolites of Pleurotus eryngii helped reduce DNA damage in human lymphocytes exposed to genotoxic stressors. This genoprotective potential hints at Pleurotus eryngii’s value in cellular resilience and long-term disease prevention.

VITAMIN D₂: A Plant-Based Immuno-Micronutrient

Why We Choose Vitamin D₂

Unlike vitamin D₃, typically sourced from animal products, vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol) is derived from UV-activated fungi, making it:

• 100% vegan and cruelty-free

• Ideal for plant-based, ethical, or religious dietary preferences

• Clean-label and sustainable

Clinically Validated Benefits

Vitamin D₂ contributes to:

• Normal immune function

• Healthy bones and teeth

• Calcium absorption and blood calcium regulation

These are officially recognized health claims by both EU and FDA regulatory bodies.

Functional Synergy in MÙSH DNA

In MÙSH DNA Mushroom Cacao, vitamin D₂ is not added synthetically—it's naturally present through our dual-extracted mushrooms, maintaining ingredient integrity and functional alignment.

5. Vitamin D₂ vs. D₃ in Immune Modulation

A 12-week RCT comparing daily supplementation of 15 µg of vitamin D₂ vs. D₃ found that both forms influenced immune gene expression, though their effects were distinct. This underscores vitamin D₂’s valid role in supporting immune health through alternative biochemical pathways.

6. Bone and Glycemic Health

Though vitamin D₃ may be more potent in raising serum levels, D₂ remains effective for:

• Supporting calcium metabolism and bone strength

• Offering modest improvements in arterial flexibility, potentially aiding cardiovascular health

BETA-GLUCANS: The Immunoactive Polysaccharides

Immune Modulation

Beta-glucans interact with immune cell receptors, triggering cascades that enhance immune responses. Though more research is needed, early evidence supports their role in immune vigilance.

Cholesterol Control

Clinical research shows that consuming 3g/day of oat-derived beta-glucans can:

• Lower LDL cholesterol by 5–10%

• Reduce cardiovascular risk by up to 8%

Blood Sugar Balance

Beta-glucans may regulate glycemic response by:

• Delaying gastric emptying

• Slowing carbohydrate absorption

• Supporting glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Combatting Fatigue

A meta-analysis of 16 RCTs revealed beta-glucans might reduce fatigue and improve mood in healthy individuals—suggesting benefits beyond physiology into the psycho-emotional sphere.

CACAO: The Functional Flavor Carrier

Why Non-Alkalized Matters

Natural cocoa is rich in flavanols—powerful antioxidants linked to:

• Blood pressure reduction

• Enhanced vascular function via nitric oxide pathways

• Improved insulin sensitivity

Alkalization (Dutch processing) dramatically reduces flavanol content. For example:

• Natural cocoa: ~34.6 mg/g of flavanols

• Heavily alkalized cocoa: ~3.9 mg/g

Thus, MÙSH DNA uses only non-alkalized, pure cocoa to retain full functional potency.

Neurocognitive and Mood Benefits

Flavanol-rich cocoa has been associated with:

• Improved cognitive performance

• Elevated mood and reduced stress

Gut Health

Natural cocoa also exerts prebiotic effects by:

• Supporting beneficial bacterial growth

• Enhancing SCFA production through fermentation