Mushroom supplement gains popularity among athletes

In 2025, functional mushrooms have gained acceptance in Ireland. The change comes as more people learn about their health benefits—energy, endurance, and respiratory support. Cordyceps has become particularly popular among athletes, biohackers, and wellness enthusiasts.

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae, mainly in high-altitude regions of Tibet, Nepal, and China. Its portrayal in The Last of Us as a zombie-inducing pathogen is fictional. The fungus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for vitality and lung function.

Two main varieties exist: Cordyceps sinensis, the rare and expensive wild type, and Cordyceps militaris, a cultivated version that’s easier to find. The latter contains bioactive compounds, including cordycepin and polysaccharides, contributing to its health benefits.

Why Irish consumers are turning to Cordyceps

Interest in functional mushrooms has grown across Ireland. Cordyceps now appears in health food stores, online retailers, and specialty supplement shops. Unlike caffeine, which can cause energy crashes, it offers a natural way to sustain stamina without jitters. Some users add it to pre-workout routines, while others use it for respiratory support.

The trend extends beyond athletes. People in the wellness space are incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms like Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane, along with herbs such as Ashwagandha, into their daily diets. The appeal lies in their ability to help the body manage stress and fatigue.

Research supports some traditional claims. Studies show Cordyceps may increase ATP production, the molecule that fuels muscle energy. A 2010 study found older adults who took it improved exercise performance and oxygen consumption. Another study reported better endurance in trained cyclists after three weeks of supplementation.

For those with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, Cordyceps may help. It can enhance oxygen uptake, making breathing easier during physical activity or at rest. One study noted improved lung function in individuals with chronic bronchitis after taking the supplement.

Its immune-boosting potential is also being studied. Like other functional mushrooms, Cordyceps contains polysaccharides and antioxidants that may regulate immune responses. Some research suggests it increases white blood cell activity, aiding recovery from illness.

Legal status and safety concerns

In the European Union, Cordyceps is classified as a food supplement, not a controlled substance, so it’s legal to buy and use. The EU Novel Food Regulation requires supplements to meet safety and quality standards.

The functional mushroom market in Ireland continues to expand. As more people seek natural alternatives to synthetic supplements, Cordyceps has become a trusted option for energy and respiratory health. Science is beginning to support what tradition has long claimed.