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Mushroom 8-Plex

ZHOU
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1199 ratings)
Hericium mushroom 250 mg
Maitake Mushroom 250 mg
Cordyceps 250 mg
Product Image
Score 60.0

A blend of 8 'fermented organic' mushrooms, likely mycelium-based, offering broad health support. Individual dosages are moderate, but potential lower potency from mycelium on grain may limit effectiveness for specific goals.

Quantity: 2 Ounce(s)Servings size: 2 Gram(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Immunity
General Health
Digestive Health
Stress Relief
Sleep Support

Score 60.0

A blend of 8 'fermented organic' mushrooms, likely mycelium-based, offering broad health support. Individual dosages are moderate, but potential lower potency from mycelium on grain may limit effectiveness for specific goals.

Analysis

ZHOU Mushroom 8-Plex aims to provide comprehensive support across a wide range of health goals using a blend of eight 'fermented organic' mushrooms, with each contributing 250mg per serving for a total of 2000mg. While the 'fermented organic' claim suggests a quality source and potentially enhanced bioavailability, the critical distinction between mushroom fruiting body extracts and mycelium grown on grain is not clarified. Many experts and nutritionists advocate for fruiting body extracts due to their higher concentration of beneficial beta-glucans, whereas mycelium on grain can contain significant starch from the growth medium, which may dilute the active compounds. Consequently, the relatively modest individual dosages for each mushroom, especially if derived from mycelium, may not be sufficient to deliver pronounced effects for the extensive list of claimed benefits, particularly for more targeted goals like brain health or testosterone support. Online reviews are mixed, reflecting varying user experiences that may correlate with the product's actual potency relative to its claims.

Pros
  • Contains a wide variety of 8 different mushrooms for broad-spectrum health support.
  • Labeled as 'fermented organic', which may offer enhanced nutrient bioavailability and purity.
  • Moderate price per serving for a multi-mushroom complex.
Cons
  • Likely uses mycelium grown on grain due to lack of 'fruiting body extract' specification, which can mean lower beta-glucan content and higher starch.
  • Individual mushroom dosages (250mg) are relatively low, potentially insufficient for strong, targeted effects for specific health goals.
  • Broad claims across many goals (e.g., weight loss, testosterone support) are not strongly supported by the ingredient profile at these dosages.
Warnings
  • Consumers seeking high concentrations of active compounds like beta-glucans should verify if the product uses fruiting body extracts.
  • Individuals with grain sensitivities should be aware that mycelium grown on grain may contain residual starch from the growth medium.
$20.80($0.69 per serving)
Daily Vita
$ 20.80
Amazon
$ 21.39
Pure Formulas
$ 21.39
iHerb
$ 21.39
Vitacost
$ 21.39
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 10 Calorie(s)
Total Carbohydrates 2 Gram(s)
fermented organic Chaga Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Maitake Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Reishi Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Royal Agaricus Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Shiitake Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Turkey Tail Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Cordyceps Mushroom 250 mg
fermented organic Lion's Mane Mushroom 250 mg
Adults 18–50 Organic
Categories
Maitake Mushroom 60.0
Provides 250mg of fermented organic Maitake. Maitake is valued for immune support, but similar to other mushrooms in this blend, the quantity and form might not maximize its potential benefits compared to concentrated extracts.
Cordyceps 55.0
Contains 250mg of fermented organic Cordyceps. While Cordyceps is beneficial for energy and fitness, this dosage and implied mycelial form are considered low compared to effective extracts on the market.
Hericium mushroom 55.0
Contains 250mg of fermented organic Lion's Mane (Hericium mushroom). For cognitive benefits, higher dosages of fruiting body extract are generally recommended, making this quantity less impactful for its primary brain-supporting use.
Goals
Immunity 65.0
The blend includes several immune-modulating mushrooms (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga). While the individual dosages are on the lower side and potency might be compromised by mycelial use, the variety offers a broad approach to general immune support.
General Health 65.0
The diverse mushroom blend covers various general wellness aspects, providing a broad range of adaptogenic and antioxidant compounds that can contribute to overall health, even if individual potencies are not maximized.
Heart Health 60.0
Some mushrooms in the blend (e.g., Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake) have traditional uses or studies suggesting cardiovascular benefits, but the dosages in this formulation are likely too low for a profound impact on heart health markers.
88 Value

Stamets 7

Host Defense Mushrooms
4.7
★★★★★
(4387 ratings)
Host Defense offers a broad blend of 7 functional mushrooms at nearly half the price per serving of ZHOU. While Host Defense products typically use mycelium on grain (a point of debate vs. fruiting body extracts), it remains a very cost-effective option for achieving a diverse mushroom complex for general health and immunity from a leading brand in the field.
90 Value

Ultra Cordyceps 750 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(2489 ratings)
This product offers a substantial 750mg dose of Cordyceps extract for a remarkably low price per serving. It presents exceptional value for individuals whose primary goal is to enhance energy, athletic performance, or respiratory health through Cordyceps supplementation, offering a much higher concentration than ZHOU's Cordyceps component at a fraction of the cost.
93 Value

Lion's Mane

Fungiology by California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(4785 ratings)
Fungiology by California Gold Nutrition provides a significant 600mg dose of Lion's Mane at an exceptionally low price per serving. This makes it an outstanding value for targeted brain health, cognitive support, and potential nerve growth factor benefits, offering a highly cost-effective way to supplement Lion's Mane compared to its contribution in ZHOU.
90 Performance

Genius Mushrooms

The Genius Brand
5.0
★★★★★
(12323 ratings)
This product focuses on three highly researched mushrooms (Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps) but provides a significantly higher individual dosage (500mg each) for a more concentrated effect on brain health, energy, and immunity compared to ZHOU's 250mg per mushroom. Its strong online reviews also suggest high user satisfaction and efficacy.
95 Performance

Lion's Mane Capsules

Real Mushrooms
4.7
★★★★★
(8949 ratings)
For individuals prioritizing cognitive support and brain health, this Real Mushrooms product offers a highly potent and standardized 1000mg Lion's Mane extract per serving. This is a much higher and more targeted dose than the 250mg Lion's Mane found in ZHOU, from a brand recognized for its quality and verified beta-glucan content, making it a superior choice for specific brain health goals.
92 Performance

Cordyceps-M Capsules

Real Mushrooms
4.5
★★★★★
(6739 ratings)
Similar to Real Mushrooms' Lion's Mane, their Cordyceps-M Capsules provide a highly concentrated (1000mg) and well-regarded Cordyceps militaris extract. For athletes or those seeking significant boosts in energy, stamina, and respiratory health, this specialized product delivers a far more potent dose than the Cordyceps component in ZHOU, backed by a trusted brand.
70 Budget

Asian Energy Boost

Life Extension
4.5
★★★★★
(512 ratings)
This product is significantly cheaper per serving and provides a substantial dose of Cordyceps (333.34mg) along with Ginseng, which directly supports the energy and fitness goals of ZHOU Mushroom 8-Plex. While it lacks the broad spectrum of mushrooms, it offers excellent value for targeted energy and performance enhancement.
85 Budget

Cordyceps-M Capsules

Real Mushrooms
4.5
★★★★★
(6739 ratings)
Real Mushrooms is a highly reputable brand known for quality and verified extracts. This alternative offers a potent 1000mg Cordyceps militaris extract per serving at a lower price than ZHOU. It's a superior choice for those primarily seeking Cordyceps-specific benefits for energy, fitness, and immunity, though it's not a multi-mushroom blend.
75 Budget

Mushroom Immune Defense

Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(921 ratings)
This alternative provides a blend of four well-known immune-supporting mushrooms (Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi) at a substantially lower price per serving. Although the total mushroom content (800mg) is less than ZHOU's 2000mg, it offers a cost-effective way to gain core immune benefits from a reputable brand.
88 Value

Stamets 7

Host Defense Mushrooms
4.7
★★★★★
(4387 ratings)
Host Defense offers a broad blend of 7 functional mushrooms at nearly half the price per serving of ZHOU. While Host Defense products typically use mycelium on grain (a point of debate vs. fruiting body extracts), it remains a very cost-effective option for achieving a diverse mushroom complex for general health and immunity from a leading brand in the field.
90 Value

Ultra Cordyceps 750 mg

Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(2489 ratings)
This product offers a substantial 750mg dose of Cordyceps extract for a remarkably low price per serving. It presents exceptional value for individuals whose primary goal is to enhance energy, athletic performance, or respiratory health through Cordyceps supplementation, offering a much higher concentration than ZHOU's Cordyceps component at a fraction of the cost.
93 Value

Lion's Mane

Fungiology by California Gold Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(4785 ratings)
Fungiology by California Gold Nutrition provides a significant 600mg dose of Lion's Mane at an exceptionally low price per serving. This makes it an outstanding value for targeted brain health, cognitive support, and potential nerve growth factor benefits, offering a highly cost-effective way to supplement Lion's Mane compared to its contribution in ZHOU.
90 Performance

Genius Mushrooms

The Genius Brand
5.0
★★★★★
(12323 ratings)
This product focuses on three highly researched mushrooms (Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps) but provides a significantly higher individual dosage (500mg each) for a more concentrated effect on brain health, energy, and immunity compared to ZHOU's 250mg per mushroom. Its strong online reviews also suggest high user satisfaction and efficacy.
95 Performance

Lion's Mane Capsules

Real Mushrooms
4.7
★★★★★
(8949 ratings)
For individuals prioritizing cognitive support and brain health, this Real Mushrooms product offers a highly potent and standardized 1000mg Lion's Mane extract per serving. This is a much higher and more targeted dose than the 250mg Lion's Mane found in ZHOU, from a brand recognized for its quality and verified beta-glucan content, making it a superior choice for specific brain health goals.
92 Performance

Cordyceps-M Capsules

Real Mushrooms
4.5
★★★★★
(6739 ratings)
Similar to Real Mushrooms' Lion's Mane, their Cordyceps-M Capsules provide a highly concentrated (1000mg) and well-regarded Cordyceps militaris extract. For athletes or those seeking significant boosts in energy, stamina, and respiratory health, this specialized product delivers a far more potent dose than the Cordyceps component in ZHOU, backed by a trusted brand.