L-Ergothioneine Supplement

L-ergothioneine supplements have become tied to age-related diseases as research has identified their remarkable capacity for combating oxidative stress. Understanding where ergothioneine is naturally found, how it is produced, and what benefits you can expect from taking a supplement is essential.

What is Ergothioneine?

Ergothioneine, EGT, is an amino acid – i.e., a component of proteins – and a histidine derivative containing a sulfur atom. This natural, water-soluble compound was first isolated in 1909 in a parasitic fungus, Claviceps purpurea or ergot of rye. However, it has taken more than a century to synthesize it in the laboratory. The US FDA has given it GRAS status (generally recognized as safe). It can therefore be used in functional foods and drinks, and supplements.

L-ergothioneine supplementation is synthesized from fungi and mycobacteria. Contained in plants, it is ingested by animals and humans through food. The main dietary sources of it are edible mushrooms, black and red beans, oat bran, garlic, and specific meat products (liver and kidneys).

In human and animal tissue, L-ergothioneine is concentrated in organs subject to significant oxidative stress: the liver, kidneys, heart, skin, lungs, spleen, small intestine, and blood (particularly in erythrocytes), as well as in ocular tissue and seminal plasma.

Ergothioneine supplementation was first used for major liver damage, cataracts, complications of diabetes, and heart disease. Its cosmetic applications were also noted – it can be applied directly to the skin to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging caused by sun-induced photo-oxidative damage. Naturally present in the skin, it counteracts the effects of key mediators involved in skin aging, particularly photoaging.

L-ergothioneine mushrooms are associated with various bodily functions. Vital for healthy cell function, it has been compared by some to a vitamin, and fortunately, this essential substance can now be obtained via supplementation.

Let's look closer at L-ergothioneine benefits, specifically in skin care and as an antioxidant.

Why buy Ergothioneine for Skin Care?

The Mitochondrial Theory of Aging states that cellular function and energy loss comes from free radical damage to the cells. This process happens over time, and every time damage occurs, the capacity diminishes.

Low-grade inflammation and oxidative damage lead to signs of aging and age-related diseases.

However, some vitamins and supplements, such as L-ergothioneine in mushrooms, may combat aging. Without any vital nutrients, the body cannot prevent disease or aging. Unfortunately, nutrient deficiencies are rampant, which leaves us at a greater risk for premature aging and chronic disease.

If you are interested in receiving the cosmetic benefits of buying ergothioneine, you have probably looked into current agricultural practices and found that L-ergothioneine-rich foods are hard to find, and that leaves you reliant on L-ergothioneine 5 mg for skin care. However, in conjunction with the boost to skin appearance and aging, you may find additional benefits with this supplement. Ergothioneine's price is also exceptional for a skincare supplement.

Additional Ergothioneine Health Benefits

The best ergothioneine supplement is exceptional because it can reach the core of certain cells, such as erythrocytes, unlike other classic antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. It has a gene that codes for a carrier protein, enabling it to be taken right to the heart of cells. It is a potent intracellular antioxidant, as important as L-glutathione. It has also been shown to be a powerful chelator, enabling it to bind to toxic heavy metals while protecting blood cells from all types of damage.

Encouraged by its antioxidant properties, researchers have investigated its anti-inflammatory effects since ergothioneine acts on, among others, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin.

Ergothioneine, therefore, has multiple properties actively working inside the human body:

• Neutralizes reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals), therefore combating oxidative stress and reducing damage to mitochondrial DNA, oxidation of proteins, and lipid peroxidation.
• Chelates – or traps – various positive metallic cations.
• Activates antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase or SOD, while inhibiting enzymes that generate the superoxide radical.
• Reduces oxidation of various hemoproteins, such as hemoglobin and myoglobin.
• Protects mitochondria.
• Reduces the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Preserves and maintains levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, glutathione, and SOD.
• Protects the brain from neurotoxins and thus plays a combative role against cognitive decline.
• Encourages cellular respiration and fat lipolysis, increasing energy and stamina for physical exercise.

There are several benefits of L-ergothioneine 5 mg found in recent studies. Below are just a few.

What do Studies Say about Ergothioneine?

The best ergothioneine supplement has been the subject of multiple studies related to acute respiratory illnesses and skin diseases. But common in all the research is a focus on the mechanisms of inflammation and the way ergothioneine acts not so much as a classic antioxidant but more of an antioxidant anti-inflammatory.

Another fundamental characteristic of ergothioneine is that it has a very long half-life – around 30 days – compared with the half-life of classic antioxidants of between 30 seconds and 30 minutes.

All these studies indicate that taking L-ergothioneine for DNA repair and L-ergothioneine for mitochondria support might be beneficial.