How to Read a Mushroom Supplement COA (Certificate of Analysis)

In today’s growing market for functional mushroom supplements, transparency and quality are everything. With so many brands promoting “premium” or “medicinal-grade” mushrooms, how do you know which products truly deliver what they claim? The answer lies in a document called the Certificate of Analysis (COA)—an independent lab report that verifies what’s really in your supplement.

But COAs can look technical and confusing at first glance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to read a mushroom supplement COA, what to look for, and how to spot red flags to ensure you’re getting a safe and effective product.

What Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

A Certificate of Analysis is a document provided by a third-party laboratory that tests the composition and safety of a product. For mushroom supplements, a COA confirms:

• Active compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides
• Purity and identity of the mushroom species
• Contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, or mold
• Concentration of bioactive ingredients claimed on the label

A trustworthy COA ensures the product is genuine, potent, and safe for consumption.

Key Sections of a Mushroom Supplement COA

✅ 1. Product Identity

• What to Look For: The Latin name of the mushroom (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum for Reishi).
• Why It Matters: Some companies may use mycelium (the root-like structure) grown on grain instead of fruiting bodies. A proper COA will specify the part used—fruiting body, mycelium, or both.
• Pro Tip: Fruiting bodies usually contain higher levels of bioactive compounds like beta-glucans.

✅ 2. Beta-Glucan and Polysaccharide Content

• What to Look For: Quantitative results for beta-glucans (typically 20%–60%) and total polysaccharides.
• Why It Matters: Beta-glucans are the primary immune-supporting compounds in medicinal mushrooms. Some brands list high polysaccharide levels, but if beta-glucans are low, the immune benefit is likely limited.
• Red Flag: High polysaccharide content with low or missing beta-glucan percentages often indicates starch from grain fillers rather than medicinal compounds.

✅ 3. Starch Test (Alpha-Glucans)

• What to Look For: Alpha-glucans should be low if the product is made from fruiting bodies. High levels may suggest grain-based mycelium.
• Why It Matters: Grain-grown mycelium contains starch, not the desired medicinal components. A quality mushroom extract should have low alpha-glucans (<5%).

✅ 4. Contaminant Testing

Make sure the COA includes tests for:

• Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury)
  • Safe limits (according to USP):
    • Lead: <0.5 ppm
    • Arsenic: <1.5 ppm
    • Cadmium: <0.5 ppm
    • Mercury: <1.5 ppm
• Microbial contaminants (E. coli, Salmonella, mold, yeast)
• Pesticide residues

Why It Matters: Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, meaning they absorb whatever is in their environment—including toxins. Clean lab results are essential for safety.

✅ 5. Solvent Residue (If Extracted)

• What to Look For: If the product uses alcohol or dual-extraction methods (water + ethanol), the COA should confirm there are no harmful solvent residues left.
• Why It Matters: While dual extraction is excellent for pulling out multiple compounds (e.g., triterpenes and beta-glucans), residual solvents must be removed completely for safety.

✅ 6. Triterpene Content (for Reishi or Chaga)

• What to Look For: Reishi and Chaga should contain triterpenoids, known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Why It Matters: These are alcohol-soluble compounds, so if the product is dual-extracted, triterpene content should be listed and verified.

✅ 7. Date of Testing and Batch Number

• What to Look For: A recent date (within the past 12–18 months) and a matching batch or lot number.
• Why It Matters: Ensures the test is relevant to the product you’re purchasing and not a generic or outdated report.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• ❌ No third-party lab listed
• ❌ Missing beta-glucan data
• ❌ Only lists polysaccharides or alpha-glucans
• ❌ High starch or alpha-glucan levels (>10%)
• ❌ No test results for contaminants or solvents
• ❌ Vague or old test dates with no batch number

How to Request a COA

If a COA isn’t listed on the brand’s website, you have the right to ask for it. Contact customer service and request the third-party COA for the product and batch number you intend to purchase. Reputable companies will be transparent and happy to share.

Final Thoughts

Reading a mushroom supplement COA may seem daunting, but with a little knowledge, you can protect yourself from low-quality or misleading products. Focus on beta-glucan content, low starch levels, and clean lab reports for contaminants. Choosing a supplement with a clear, honest COA ensures you’re getting a product that delivers both purity and potency—and supports your health the way functional mushrooms are meant to.