Can Lion’s Mane be used for children?

Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom that has gained significant popularity in the natural health world due to its properties and benefits for physical and mental well-being. However, when it comes to the use of lion’s mane in children, it is important to consider certain aspects to determine its safety and efficacy. Here, we explain everything you need to know about its use.

What is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of edible mushroom known for its unique appearance: a kind of white “cascade of hair” resembling a lion’s mane, which gives it its name. This mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine due to its adaptogenic and healing properties.

Lion’s mane is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immune-boosting properties. It is also a valuable resource for combating stress, enhancing cognitive function, and protecting the nervous system, making it a popular natural supplement for managing various health conditions.

In addition to its benefits for adults, more and more parents are wondering if it can be beneficial for children, as its properties may contribute to the overall well-being of young ones.

How to use it?

Lion’s mane can be consumed in different ways, primarily as a dietary supplement. However, its use should always be moderate and supervised. The most common ways to consume it include:

1. Powder supplements: Available in powder form to mix with smoothies, juices, or other foods, making it easy to integrate into the diet.
2. Capsules or tablets: A convenient option as the dosage is precise and easy for children to take.
3. Teas or infusions: Another popular method is to prepare an infusion with the mushroom, allowing natural and straightforward absorption of its benefits.
4. Liquid extracts: Can be added to the daily diet in a controlled manner.

It is crucial to note that the amount of lion’s mane administered will depend on the child’s age and weight. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment involving this mushroom.

Precautions and tips

Before considering the use of lion’s mane in a child’s diet, it is important to be aware of certain precautions:

1. Medical consultation: Although it’s a natural mushroom, not all bodies react the same to supplements. If you are considering giving lion’s mane to your child—just like other products such as CBD—consult a pediatrician or a specialized healthcare professional first.
2. Mushroom allergies: Children with allergies to edible mushrooms or those showing allergic symptoms should avoid lion’s mane, as it can trigger severe allergic reactions.
3. Proper dosage: Dosage is crucial to avoid potential side effects. Lion’s mane should be administered in safe, age-appropriate doses based on the child’s size and age.
4. Potential side effects: Although generally considered safe, excessive consumption of lion’s mane may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or stomach discomfort.
5. Not a substitute for medical treatment: Lion’s mane should not be seen as a solution to treat serious illnesses without professional supervision. It should always be used as a natural supplement, not a replacement for medical treatment.

Remember that natural supplements are tools that should be used responsibly and with professional guidance.

How can Lion’s Mane help children?

It is renowned for its neuroprotective properties, making it an interesting supplement for children’s cognitive and emotional development. Some of its attributes include:

1. Cognitive stimulation: Lion’s mane is known to stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of neurons. This may help improve learning, memory, and concentration in children.
2. Emotional support and stress reduction: As an adaptogen, it may help children manage emotional stress, improving their overall well-being.
3. Immune system strengthening: Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may support the immune system and protect children from common illnesses.
4. Gastrointestinal support: Lion’s mane can benefit the digestive system by protecting the intestinal lining and enhancing the absorption of essential nutrients, crucial for children’s growth.

Studies on Lion’s Mane for children

Although it is a well-studied mushroom, most research has been conducted on adults. However, current information supports its safety and potential benefits for children when used in a controlled manner under proper supervision. Key studies to consider include:

• Research such as “The effect of Hericium erinaceus on cognitive function in humans” has shown that lion’s mane can increase BDNF levels in the brain, which is crucial for learning and memory in developing children.
• Studies have linked its consumption to improved neuron protection and reduced risk of stress and anxiety-related disorders.
• The study “Extracts from Hericium erinaceus relieve inflammatory bowel disease by regulating immunity and gut microbiota” analyzed how the mushroom’s antioxidant components can strengthen the immune system, potentially reducing infections and enhancing resilience in immunocompromised individuals.
• Another study, “Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain,” demonstrated that this mushroom promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, helping manage emotional stress and regulate the central nervous system.

Despite these promising findings, more long-term and child-specific studies are needed to fully confirm these benefits. Therefore, caution is essential when introducing this dietary supplement, especially for young children, and consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended.