The bioavailability of ergothioneine from mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) and the acute effects on antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of inflammation.
BACKGROUND
Ergothioneine (ET) is a sulfur containing amino acid that functions as an antioxidant. Mushrooms are a primary source of ET containing from 0.4 to 2.0mg/g (dry-weight). The bioavailability of ET from mushrooms in humans remains unclear.


OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the bioavailability of ET in healthy men (n=10) in a pilot study, using a randomized, cross-over, dose-response, postprandial time-course design, conducted at the General Clinical Research Center at Pennsylvania State University in 2009.


METHODS
ET was administered through a mushroom test meal containing 8 g and 16 g of mushroom powder. Postprandial red blood cell concentrations of ET were measured. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol also were monitored. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated using C-reactive protein and ORAC(total).


RESULTS
ET was bioavailable after consuming mushrooms and a trend in the postprandial triglyceride response indicated that there was a blunting effect after both the 8 g and 16 g ET doses were compared with the 0 g dose. Despite ET's antioxidant properties, ORAC(total) values decreased after the 8 g and 16 g mushroom meal.


CONCLUSIONS
Ergothioneine from A. bisporus mushrooms is bioavailable as assessed by red blood cell uptake postprandially, and consumption is associated with an attenuated postprandial TG response.
Department of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
AuBrei J
AJ
Weigand-Heller
Penny M
PM
Kris-Etherton
Robert B
RB
Beelman
D000328:Adult; D000363:Agaricales / Q000737:chemistry*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001682:Biological Availability; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004880:Ergothioneine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D004880:Ergothioneine