Wild mushrooms: Beneficial compounds and hidden digestive risks

Wild mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that may support the immune system, but their consumption is limited by low digestibility and the risk of environmental toxicity. While the Leningrad region offers a wide variety of edible species, medical experts warn that these products can be hazardous for people with gastrointestinal disorders and children. Bioactive Composition and Health Effects Mushrooms provide beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which function as prebiotics. Their cell walls contain chitin, a substance that acts as a natural sorbent. Once ingested, gut bacteria convert chitin into butyrate—a short-chain fatty acid that strengthens the intestinal barrier and reduces systemic inflammation. Some species contain high concentrations of ergothioneine, an antioxidant found in higher levels here than in vegetables. However, Anna Kuznetsova, a general practitioner, notes that mushrooms are not a universal remedy and cannot replace standard medical treatment.