Main content Cordyceps for Sports & Fitness

Cordyceps for Sports & Fitness

Why Use

Cordyceps

Why Do Athletes Use It?*

Some athletes say that cordyceps helps strengthen the body when fatigued.

What Do the Advocates Say?*

Currently, there are over 160 articles published regarding the effects of the administration of cordyceps. However, only a couple of these articles are related to its effect on exercise performance. One of these articles suggested that cordyceps may enhance exercise capacity by improving glucose tolerance.

It was also reported that cordyceps containing cordysepic acid and adenosine has demonstrated an ability to increase energy and endurance as well as reduce the onset of exercise-related fatigue.

Some athletes who participate in endurance exercise events, such as distance running, swimming, cycling, adventure racing, etc., rather than sprinting, weight-lifting, etc. notice an improvement in exercise capacity and tolerance from supplementing with cordyceps.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.

Dosage & Side Effects

Cordyceps

How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?

The recommended intake of cordyceps is 3 to 9 grams taken twice daily as a liquid extract, as food, or as powdered extract.¹

There are insufficient studies on the safety of cordyceps. However, it has a long history of use as a food and is generally considered safe.² There is no information available about safety in pregnancy, lactation, or use in children.

There are two reported cases of lead poisoning associated with the use of apparently contaminated cordyceps powder.³ Cordyceps should only be purchased from companies that test to exclude heavy metal contamination.

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

More Resources

Cordyceps

Resources

See a Reference list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

Related Information

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

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