Mushrooms Power Immune System

Mushrooms have been identified as an important food for keeping the immune system healthy. To further identify their immune-boosting characteristics, Agricultural Research Service (ARS)funded scientists have conducted an animal-model and cell-culture study showing that white button mushrooms enhanced the activity of critical cells in the body's immune system.

The study was conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University by center director Simin Meydani, colleague Dayong Wu, and co-investigators with the HNRCA Nutritional Immunology Laboratory in Boston. Test results suggest that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing production of antiviral and other proteins that cells release while they attempt to protect and repair tissue.

The study's cell-culture phase showed that white button mushrooms enhanced the maturity of immune system cells called dendritic cells, from bone marrow. Dendritic cells can make T cellsimportant white blood cells that can recognize and eventually deactivate or destroy antigens on invading microbes.

When immune system cells are exposed to disease-causing pathogens, such as bacteria, the body begins to increase the number and function of immune system cells, according to Meydani. People need an adequate supply of nutrients to produce an adequate defense against the pathogen.  The key is to prevent deficiencies that can compromise the immune system. Results were published in a 2008 issue of The Journal of Nutrition.

Mushrooms immunity-enhancing power has been attributed to their high level of antioxidants. According to The Mushroom Council : Mushrooms are the leading source of the essential antioxidant selenium in the produce aisle. Antioxidants, like selenium, protect body cells from damage that might lead to chronic diseases. They help to strengthen the immune system, as well. In addition, mushrooms provide ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant that may help protect the bodys cells.

Mushrooms are commercially produced in virtually every state in the United States, although Pennsylvania accounts for 61% of total U.S. production. White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) represent 90% of the total mushrooms consumed in the United States.