Vitamin D from UV-Irradiated Mushrooms as a Way for Vitamin D Supplementation: A Systematic Review on Classic and Nonclassic Effects in Human and Animal Models

Abstract

Recent literature has shown that vitamin D, in addition to its well-known activity on the skeleton, has many positive effects on health. Unfortunately, it is not easy to meet intake needs solely with food. Mushrooms could provide a valid way to achieve this goal, because they are one of the few sources of vitamin D. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize what has been reported in the literature on the treatment of animal and human models with irradiated commercial mushrooms, with particular attention paid to the effects on clinical outcomes associated with the classical and nonclassical vitamin D functions. A total of 18 articles were selected. Six studies were conducted on human samples, while twelve were focused on animal models. The six studies conducted in humans involved a large number of subjects (663), but the treatment period was relatively short (1–6 months). Furthermore, the treatment dosage was different in the various groups (600–3800 IU/day). Probably for this reason, the studies did not demonstrate clinical efficacy on the parameters evaluated (cognitive functions, muscle system/function, metabolic syndrome). Indeed, those studies demonstrated an efficacy in increasing the blood levels of 25(OH)D2, but not in increasing the levels of 25(OH)D total. In 9 of 12 studies conducted on the animal model, however, a clinical efficacy on bone metabolism, inflammation, and cognitive performance was demonstrated. The results of this systematic review indicate that the intake of vitamin D from irradiated mushrooms could possibly help to meet vitamin D needs, but the dosage and the time of treatment tested need to be evaluated. Therefore, studies conducted in humans for longer periods than the studies carried out up to now are necessary, with defined dosages, in order to also evaluate the clinical efficacy demonstrated in animal models both for the classical (bone metabolism) and nonclassical (muscle function, cognitive performance, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities) effects of vitamin D.

Enhancement of nutraceutical components of mushroom by uv exposure and extension of their shelf-life using edible coating material adopting online assessment of keeping quality by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique

“…Overall, the coating improved the shelf life of the coated mushrooms. Rondanelli et al [31] reported that Coated mushrooms had less mass loss and color change, and had better texture up to 14 days. Overall, the coating improved the shelf life of the coated mushrooms but had less effect on the microbial community Pleșoianu et al [32] who has also reported similar results of weight loss of mushrooms during storage has attributed to moisture evaporation and respiration.…”

Mushrooms: a food-based solution to vitamin D deficiency to include in dietary guidelines

“…While meta-analyses have shown that vitamin D 3 is more effective than vitamin D 2 in increasing total vitamin D status, these relationships appear to be modified by both BMI and baseline vitamin D status ( 59 ). A 2023 systematic literature review identified that vitamin D 2 from UV-exposed mushrooms (from 8.8 μg/day) consistently increased serum levels of vitamin D 2 compared to placebo ( 60 ). However, there was no change in total vitamin D levels in most studies, possibly explained by the concomitant decrease in vitamin D 3 levels in 50% of studies.…”