Lion's Mane Pregnancy Benefits, Risks, & Recommendations

Expectant mothers often have questions about the safety of supplements and functional foods, including medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane. With its reputation for cognitive and immune support, Lion’s Mane has gained popularity, but is Lion’s Mane safe to consume during pregnancy?

In short, there isn’t enough evidence on lion’s mane during pregnancy to determine whether it is safe for pregnant women. While traditional practitioners, such as those practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have advocated for Lion’s Mane’s use during pregnancy for years, modern practitioners warn expecting mothers to avoid mushroom supplements.

Below, we’ll explore what research says about Lion’s Mane and its potential benefits and implications when taken during pregnancy.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Lion’s Mane offers potential health benefits, but its safety during pregnancy is unproven.

• Lack of research specifically on pregnant individuals warrants caution.

• Safer alternatives, such as nutrient-rich foods and approved supplements, are available.

• Always consult a healthcare provider before trying new supplements during pregnancy.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy mushroom resembling a lion’s mane. It is often enjoyed as a culinary delicacy as a vegan seafood substitute thanks to its crab-like texture and flavor. Lion’s Mane is also used to make high-quality mushroom supplements that offer the benefits of its bioactive compounds in a convenient, concentrated dose.

Traditionally used in Asian medicine, Lion’s Mane contains compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which may promote nerve regeneration, cognitive health, and reduced inflammation.

Before we dig too far into the details, though, let’s take a look at why expecting moms may even consider this mushroom supplement:

Lion’s Mane has gained popularity for its potential cognitive benefits, particularly in supporting nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein crucial for brain cell growth and cognitive function. More specifically for moms, it may help to support energy balance and fight postpartum brain fog.

Its wide array of potential benefits leads many people, including pregnant people, to wonder if Lion’s Mane is right for them. Although research regarding lion’s mane’s safety during pregnancy is limited, many people still consider the supplement, citing benefits such as:

• Cognitive Boost: Neuroprotective properties that may support memory, learning, and nerve regeneration. 

• Immune Support: Polysaccharides in Lion’s Mane may enhance immune responses.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Its antioxidants can help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

Although promising, much of this research is preliminary, involving animal models or lab studies rather than clinical trials on humans.

Currently, there is no specific research on Lion’s Mane’s safety during pregnancy. The lack of data makes it difficult to assess whether its compounds might affect fetal development or interact with pregnancy-related hormonal changes.

Pregnancy is a time of significant physiological change. Introducing new substances, even those considered natural, could disrupt this delicate balance. For instance, Lion’s Mane’s potential to influence nerve growth factors raises questions about its impact on fetal neurological development.

It’s essential to have open conversations with a healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement into your regimen while pregnant.

• Traditional Medicine Perspective : The historical use of Lion’s Mane in traditional Chinese medicine doesn’t highlight pregnancy-specific risks. However, practices differ from modern medical standards, and expert consultation is advised.

• Modern Medical Stance : Many healthcare providers recommend avoiding supplements like Lion’s Mane during pregnancy unless more safety data emerges.

Though considered safe for the general population, Lion’s Mane may pose unknown risks for expectant mothers. Potential concerns include:

• Allergic reactions

• Gastrointestinal upset

• Interactions with medications or prenatal vitamins

• Unknown effects on fetal development

Given these uncertainties, the precautionary principle suggests avoiding Lion’s Mane while pregnant.

For those seeking cognitive or immune support during pregnancy, safer options exist:

• Dietary Choices : Incorporate brain-supporting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish or flaxseed) and antioxidant-rich foods (like berries and leafy greens).

• Herbal Teas : Chamomile, raspberry leaf, or ginger tea can offer calming or digestive benefits, though these should also be used with medical approval.

• Prenatal Vitamins : Ensure a high-quality prenatal multivitamin tailored to your needs, as these provide essential nutrients like folic acid and iron.

After childbirth, many new moms face challenges like fatigue, brain fog, and mood fluctuations as their bodies recover and adjust. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, known for their neuroprotective properties, may be a helpful addition to your postpartum routine.

Here’s a deeper look at the potential benefits:

Many moms experience low Vitamin D and calcium levels after giving birth. As an added complication, it can be hard in the first few weeks of your baby’s life to get enough sunshine, leading to even lower Vitamin D levels.

Lion's Mane mushrooms are a fantastic source of vitamin D, which is crucial for maintaining calcium levels in the body. It is also abundant in various B vitamins, supporting healthy growth, development of bones and teeth, and boosting your energy levels

Keep in mind that this nutritional benefit will mostly come from the whole edible mushroom or whole mushroom powders, not extracts.

Postpartum brain fog is common as hormonal changes and sleep deprivation take their toll. Lion’s Mane mushrooms may support cognitive function by promoting the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is essential for the growth and maintenance of nerve cells. This can help improve focus, memory, and mental clarity during the demanding early stages of motherhood.

Studies have found that Lion’s Mane extract may encourage the growth of new nerve cells and may stimulate faster healing within the nervous system by stimulating the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

After pregnancy, many new moms experience fluctuating moods due to hormonal changes. Lion’s Mane may support emotional well-being by enhancing NGF production, which is also linked to improved mood regulation.

Studies suggest that Lion’s Mane could help alleviate mild mood disturbances and support mental balance during the postpartum period. Other evidence suggests that lion’s mane could potentially be useful for treating depressive disorders, though more evidence is needed to fully understand this potential application.

Your immune system undergoes significant stress during and after pregnancy. Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans, which can help strengthen the immune system and support recovery.

According to research , Lion’s Mane may help to boost the activity of healthy gut bacteria, which plays a leading role in your immune system. Another study even confirms that lion’s mane’s ability to improve the growth of gut bacteria may have a positive impact on the immune system.

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also provide additional protection against illnesses, aiding in your overall health as you focus on caring for your baby.

While these benefits are promising, it is not advisable to use Lion’s Mane while breastfeeding. Research on the safety of medicinal mushrooms during lactation is limited, and there is insufficient evidence to confirm that Lion’s Mane is safe for nursing infants. The active compounds in Lion’s Mane may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby.

For postpartum recovery, consult your healthcare provider to explore other safe options for cognitive and mood support while breastfeeding. Once breastfeeding is complete, Lion’s Mane may be worth considering as part of your wellness routine to aid in further recovery and mental clarity.

If you’re considering Lion’s Mane or other supplements during pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider:

• Is this supplement safe for me and my baby?

• Are there better alternatives to address my specific concerns?

• How might this supplement interact with my prenatal care plan?

It’s crucial to prioritize evidence-based practices and professional guidance when making health decisions during pregnancy.

In conclusion, while Lion’s Mane shows promise for overall health, its role during pregnancy remains unclear. Until more research confirms its safety, expectant mothers are advised to avoid Lion’s Mane supplements unless otherwise directed by their doctor.

Expecting mothers should always prioritize well-established dietary practices and consult healthcare professionals when supplementing.

Currently, there is no specific research on the safety of Lion’s Mane during pregnancy. While it may offer cognitive and immune benefits, its potential effects on fetal development are unknown. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before consuming Lion’s Mane while pregnant.

Not all mushroom supplements are considered safe during pregnancy due to a lack of research on their effects. While culinary mushrooms like shiitake and button mushrooms are typically safe, supplements with concentrated extracts, such as Lion’s Mane or Reishi, should be used cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Lion’s Mane should be avoided by individuals with mushroom allergies or sensitivities. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those taking medications that interact with its compounds, should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before use.

Culinary mushrooms, such as portobello, shiitake, and maitake, are generally safe and nutritious for pregnant individuals when cooked properly. However, medicinal mushroom supplements, like Lion’s Mane or Chaga, may pose unknown risks during pregnancy and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Pregnant individuals should avoid foods that pose risks to maternal or fetal health, such as raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, high-mercury fish, raw eggs, and unwashed produce. It’s also advisable to limit caffeine and avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy.

Mushroom coffee blends often contain medicinal mushroom extracts like Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps. While these are generally safe for the non-pregnant population, their safety during pregnancy is unclear.

Additionally, the caffeine content should be considered, as pregnant individuals are advised to limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day. Always consult your healthcare provider before consuming mushroom coffee during pregnancy.

1. “Immunomodulatory Activities of a Fungal Protein Extracted from Hericium erinaceus through Regulating the Gut Microbiota” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5492111/

2. “Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28266682/

3. “Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5855563/

4. “Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26150007/

5. “Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Crush Injury to Rat Peroneal Nerve by Aqueous Extract of Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae)” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3176599/

6. “Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26853959/