The Effects of High and Low-Dose Cordyceps Militaris-Containing Mushroom Blend Supplementation After Seven and Twenty-Eight Days

The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic performance effect of 1) low-dose mushroom blend supplementation (1.0 - 2.0 g/day) over a prolonged time period of 28 days compared to a placebo and 2) a higher dose of PeakO 2 (12 g/day) for seven days compared to placebo supplementation. For Trial 1, 40 young adult (19-34 yrs) subjects met participation criteria and were randomized into one of two groups. The treatment group (T, n=23) consumed 1.0-2.0 g /day of mushroom blend (PeakO 2 ) along with 2.0g of Gatorade powder for 28 days. The control group (C, n=17) consumed placebo (whole wheat flour) and Gatorade powder in identical fashion. At baseline each participant completed a maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) test, which included a 5-minute economy state from minutes 3-8 along with a Wingate cycle ergometer test (peak power) at least 24 hrs later. Forty-three young adult subjects met participation criteria for Trial 2 and were randomized into one of two groups. T (n=29), consumed 12.0 g /day of mushroom blend (PeakO 2 ) along with 12.0 g of Gatorade powder for one week. C (n=14) consumed placebo (whole wheat flour) and Gatorade powder in identical fashion There were no differences between groups in any variables at baseline. After 28 days of supplementation, T had a significant increase ( 2peak (p 2peak at baseline, in which the top 50% of each group was compared to the bottom 50% (Treatment top, MT, Treatment bottom, MB, Control top, CT, Control bottom, CB). The MB group experienced significant (p 2peak . MB increased VO 2max significantly (p 2 appears to improve endurance performance in apparently healthy young adults. Further, short duration supplementation of higher doses of PeakO 2 may improve performance, but differing effects may occur based upon fitness level.