What is L-Ergothioneine?
L-Ergothioneine, commonly known as EGT, is a unique amino acid primarily found in mushrooms, liver, and red blood cells. Discovered in 1909 by Japanese scientist Tamejiro Hoshino, EGT has garnered increased scientific interest in recent decades due to its potent antioxidant activities. Unlike other natural antioxidants such as vitamin C or glutathione, EGT is not synthesized by humans and must be obtained through dietary sources. Research shows that EGT levels in the human body remain very stable due to a specialized transporter in red blood cells that helps retain EGT. However, dietary intake of EGT-containing foods can help further boost levels in the body.
Health Benefits of EGT
Numerous studies suggest that L-ERGOTHIONEINE (EGT) possesses an array of health benefits due to its protective effects against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Some key benefits that have been observed include:
– Neuroprotection – EGT easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in different parts of the brain where it appears to help protect neurons from oxidative stress linked to neurological disorders. Research shows potential benefit in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
– Heart health – Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Studies reveal that EGT supplementation helps reduce oxidative damage to lipids and provides cardio-protective effects.
– Anticancer effects – Free radical damage can cause DNA mutations that lead to cancer initiation and progression. EGT may help protect against cancer because of its ability to quench reactive oxygen species formation. Research ongoing in different cancer types like breast and prostate.
– Liver protection – The liver is susceptible to oxidative damage due to its role in detoxification. EGT presence in liver tissues may contribute to protection against conditions like fatty liver disease and hepatotoxicity induced by toxins.
– Anti-aging effects – The antioxidant activity of EGT aids in neutralizing oxidative insult to cellular components over time, helping slow down the natural aging process. This may account for its association with increased longevity.
Dietary Sources of EGT
As mentioned previously, mushrooms are the best known dietary source of EGT with concentrations 50–100 times higher than found in other foods. Some of the mushrooms highest in EGT content per 100 grams include:
– Shiitake mushrooms (30-45mg)
– Cremini or baby bella mushrooms (15-25mg)
– Oyster mushrooms (10-20mg)
– Button mushrooms (5-10mg)
There is also a small quantity of L-Ergothioneine (EGT) found in organ meats like liver (0.5-1mg/100g). A diet rich in various mushrooms, especially shiitakes, on a regular basis can help significantly boost EGT levels in the body over time.
EGT Supplementation
For individuals not consuming enough mushroom-rich foods, EGT supplementation provides a convenient alternative to obtain its health benefits. However, caution needs to be exercised while choosing a supplement as quality can vary between manufacturers. Look for vegetarian capsules containing no less than 50mg of sublingual EGT to ensure absorbability. It is advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner for appropriate dosage. While safe for long-term use with no known side effects, EGT should always be taken as directed on the product label.
Future of EGT Research
With the important antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of EGT coming to scientific forefront, further research focus continues on its role in various disease conditions. Large-scale human trials are currently evaluating EGT supplementation for managing oxidative-stress related disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Some research is exploring EGT as a natural preservative and its impact on food quality and safety. With greater consumer awareness of EGT health benefits, more mushroom varieties rich in this unique antioxidant are also being cultivated. The coming decade holds promise in terms expanding applications of this remarkable nutritional compound.
