Researchers tested a new chewable supplement made from mushroom extract, vitamin D, and zinc to see if it could help kids who catch colds and infections frequently. They gave 249 children either the supplement or a fake pill for three months during cold season. Kids who took the real supplement got sick about 15% fewer times than those taking the fake pill. The supplement worked especially well for kids over 6 years old and started helping after just one month. The supplement was safe and kids liked taking it, suggesting it could be a helpful tool for parents trying to keep frequently-sick children healthier.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does a chewable supplement made from mushroom extract, vitamin D, and zinc help prevent colds and respiratory infections in children who get sick frequently?
  • Who participated: 249 children ages 2-12 from Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Serbia who had a history of catching colds and respiratory infections repeatedly. The study included both boys and girls from different backgrounds.
  • Key finding: Children taking the mushroom-based supplement got sick 15% fewer times over three months compared to children taking a placebo. They had 18.6% fewer common colds specifically, and the benefits appeared within the first month of use.
  • What it means for you: If your child catches colds frequently, this supplement may help reduce how often they get sick during cold season. However, it’s not a cure-all—kids still got sick, just less often. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially for young children.

The Research Details

This was a high-quality randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the best ways to test if something actually works. Researchers divided 249 children into two groups randomly—like flipping a coin. One group received a chewable supplement containing pleuran (a compound from oyster mushrooms), vitamin D, and zinc. The other group received a placebo (fake pill) that looked and tasted the same but contained only vitamin D and zinc without the mushroom extract. Neither the children, their parents, nor the researchers knew who got the real supplement until the study ended—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias.

The study took place during cold season (October through March) when kids typically get sick most often. Children took their assigned supplement for three months. Researchers carefully tracked how many times each child got sick, what type of infection they had, how long the illness lasted, and how many school days they missed. They also watched for any side effects or safety problems.

The study was conducted across three countries to make sure the results would apply to different populations and healthcare settings. A total of 217 children completed the full study (104 in the supplement group and 113 in the placebo group).

This research design is important because it shows whether the supplement actually prevents infections or if kids just thought they felt better. By comparing to a placebo group, researchers could prove the mushroom extract was doing something, not just the vitamin D and zinc alone. The fact that neither children nor researchers knew who got the real supplement helps ensure the results weren’t influenced by expectations or bias.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (fair assignment to groups), double-blind (no bias from knowing who got what), placebo-controlled (compared to a fake pill, not nothing), and international (tested in multiple countries). The study had a high completion rate with 217 of 249 children finishing. However, the sample size was moderate, and the study only lasted three months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

Children taking the mushroom-based supplement got sick significantly fewer times than those taking the placebo. On average, kids in the supplement group had 2.35 respiratory infections over three months, compared to 2.77 infections in the placebo group. This represents a 15.2% reduction in total infections—meaning the supplement prevented about 1 out of every 7 infections that would normally occur.

Common colds showed the most impressive improvement. Children taking the supplement had an average of 1.53 colds versus 1.88 in the placebo group—an 18.6% reduction. This difference appeared quickly; benefits were visible after just one month of taking the supplement.

Sore throats and tonsil infections (tonsillopharyngitis) also improved significantly. Not only did kids get these infections less often, but when they did get them, the infections didn’t last as long. The supplement group had fewer episodes and recovered faster than the placebo group.

The benefits were especially strong in children over 6 years old. Younger children (ages 2-6) showed some improvement, but the effect wasn’t as pronounced. This suggests the supplement may work better as children get older.

Beyond preventing infections, the supplement helped reduce how much school kids missed. Children taking the supplement had fewer sick days, which means less disruption to their education and less time parents had to take off work. The supplement was also very well tolerated—98.7% of children who started the study completed it, showing that kids were willing and able to take it regularly. Only mild side effects were reported, and no serious safety concerns emerged. The chewable form was particularly appealing to children, making it easy to give them the supplement without the struggle that sometimes comes with pills or liquids.

Previous research has shown that beta-glucans (the active compound from mushrooms) can boost immune function in laboratory studies. This is the first large-scale study testing a chewable mushroom supplement specifically in children who get frequent infections. The results support earlier findings that mushroom compounds may help the immune system, but this study provides stronger evidence because it was done in real children over a full cold season. The combination with vitamin D and zinc makes sense because both nutrients are known to support immune health, though this study shows the mushroom extract adds extra benefit beyond these vitamins alone.

The study lasted only three months (one cold season), so we don’t know if the benefits continue if children take it longer or in future years. The study included children from three European countries, so results might differ in other parts of the world with different climates or infection patterns. The study didn’t track whether children who got sick still had milder symptoms or recovered faster—only how many infections occurred. We also don’t know the ideal dose or whether different ages need different amounts. Finally, while 217 children completed the study, this is a moderate sample size, so larger studies might reveal different results.

The Bottom Line

For children ages 6 and older who catch colds frequently, this supplement appears worth discussing with your pediatrician, especially during cold season months (October-March). The evidence suggests a modest but meaningful reduction in infection frequency—about 15% fewer infections. For younger children (ages 2-6), the benefit is less clear. This supplement should not replace standard preventive measures like handwashing, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Consider it as an additional tool, not a replacement for these basics. Confidence level: Moderate—this is one well-designed study, but more research would strengthen the evidence.

This supplement is most relevant for parents of children who get 6 or more respiratory infections per year (frequent infections). It’s particularly worth considering for school-age children (6+) who miss significant school days due to illness. Children with normal immune systems who rarely get sick probably don’t need it. Children with serious immune disorders should only use it under medical supervision. If your child has allergies to mushrooms or the other ingredients, this supplement is not appropriate.

Benefits appeared within the first month of taking the supplement, so you wouldn’t need to wait long to see if it’s helping. The study tracked results over three months, which is one full cold season. Realistic expectations: if your child normally gets 8 colds per winter, this supplement might reduce that to about 7 colds. It’s not a miracle cure, but a modest improvement that adds up over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the number of respiratory infections (colds, sore throats, ear infections) your child has each month during cold season. Record the date infection started, type of infection, duration in days, and whether school was missed. Compare months before and after starting the supplement to see if frequency decreases.
  • Set a daily reminder to give your child the supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). Use the app to log when doses are taken to maintain the 98%+ compliance rate shown in the study. Mark on the calendar when cold season begins and ends to track seasonal patterns.
  • Create a simple chart in the app showing infections per month over the cold season. Set monthly check-ins to review whether your child is getting sick less often. Track not just infection count but also duration and severity to see if the supplement is helping in multiple ways. Compare this year’s infection pattern to previous years to establish whether the supplement is making a real difference for your specific child.

This research describes a specific supplement’s effects in a clinical trial setting. Individual results may vary significantly. This information is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your child’s pediatrician. Before giving your child any new supplement, including this mushroom-based product, discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, health status, and any medications they may be taking. If your child has a mushroom allergy or immune system disorder, medical supervision is especially important. The supplement is intended to reduce infection frequency, not treat active infections. If your child develops signs of serious infection, seek immediate medical attention.