Ergothioneine

Antioxidant

Also known as: Ergo, L-ergothioneine, EGT

Grade B

💊 5-25mg daily🎯 4 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings

Overview

Longevity amino acid with unique cellular uptake via dedicated transporter. Potent antioxidant concentrated in mitochondria, potential longevity compound.

Primary Uses

LongevityAntioxidantMitochondrial protectionNeuroprotection

Frequently Asked About Ergothioneine

How much Ergothioneine should I take?

The typical effective range is 5-25mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

When is the best time to take Ergothioneine?

Any time. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.

Should I take Ergothioneine with food?

Optional.

Does Ergothioneine interact with medications?

Yes — known interactions include None known. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Ergothioneine.

What does Ergothioneine pair well with?

Ergothioneine stacks well with PQQ, CoQ10, and NMN — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.

Who should not take Ergothioneine?

Ergothioneine should be avoided or used with caution by people with None established. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

What are the side effects of Ergothioneine?

Most people tolerate Ergothioneine well. The most commonly reported side effects are Very well tolerated. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range

5-25mg daily

Timing

Any time

With food

Optional

Duration

Safe long-term

Special Populations

Longevity-focused, antioxidant support

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Ergothioneineyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Ergothioneine research

PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trials PubMed (all) ↗Full literature Cochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviews Examine.com ↗Research summaries

Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

• Dedicated cellular transporter (OCTN1)
• Concentrates in mitochondria
• Potent antioxidant
• Levels decline with age

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade B

Emerging longevity research, dedicated transporter suggests importance

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings

• None known

Contraindications

• None established

Common Side Effects

• Very well tolerated

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid, insufficient data

Liver & Kidney Notes

Safe

Interactions

💊 Medications

• None known

🧪 Supplements

• Works with other longevity compounds

🍽️ Food & Alcohol

• Mushrooms are primary source

Stacking & Synergies

Pairs Well With

PQQ ↗CoQ10 ↗NMN ↗

Avoid Combining With

None

Best Goal Synergies

LongevityMitochondrial protection

Buying Guide

What to Look For

• Purity
• Third-party tested
• MitoPrime branded

Standardization Markers

L-ergothioneine content

Adulteration risk

Low

Practical Notes

• Body has dedicated transporter suggesting importance
• Levels decline with age
• Mushrooms are food source

More in Antioxidant

Other ingredients in the Antioxidant category.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Universal antioxidant working in both water and fat. Regenerates other antioxidants and supports blood sugar metabolism.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, naturally present in krill and microalgae. It crosses the blood–brain barrier and may support eye, skin, and cellular health.

Broccoli

Broccoli powder is a whole-food derived ingredient rich in sulforaphane, glucosinolates, and polyphenols that support antioxidant and detoxification pathways. Evidence supports potential benefits for cellular health and inflammatory response, though most human research uses fresh broccoli or concentrated extracts rather than powder forms.

C60 (Carbon 60 Fullerene)

Spherical carbon molecule with potent antioxidant properties in olive oil. Controversial with limited human data despite promising rodent longevity studies.

Citrus Bioflavonoids

Plant compounds from citrus fruits that enhance vitamin C absorption and provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular support benefits.

CoQ10 (Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol)

Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form of CoQ10 that plays a critical role in cellular energy production via the mitochondrial electron transport chain and serves as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. It is more bioavailable than standard ubiquinone (oxidized CoQ10), particularly in aging populations.

Browse all Antioxidant ingredients →

Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.

Cite this page

Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Ergothioneine — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/ergothioneine

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.