Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid histidine, made by fungi and some bacteria and found at high levels in mushrooms. Commercial L-ergothioneine is made by fermentation with engineered microorganisms such as E. coli or yeast, by chemical synthesis, or by extraction from mushrooms, then purified to a white crystalline powder. Mushroom powders and extracts standardized to ergothioneine are also sold.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
High-purity powder from engineered microbial strains; the production organism should be stated on the specification.
Chemically synthesized and purified powder.
Extracts of mushrooms such as oyster or shiitake standardized to ergothioneine.
Ergothioneine on a carrier for even blending at milligram doses.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed in a cool, dry place protected from light. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier's specification, with assay repeated at retest.
Record assay, production route and, for fermentation grades, the production organism for each lot. Keep the supplier's regulatory documents (such as the GRAS notice the material relies on) with the lot file.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 734 for ergothioneine, notified by Blue California for use in baked goods, coffee, tea, fruit drinks, soft drinks and chocolate candy; it closed on May 7, 2018 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 1191, for ergothioneine produced by Escherichia coli BL-21 (DE3) from Shanghai EGT Synbio Group, closed on January 30, 2025 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae whole cells for biosynthesis as source materials for ergothioneine.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same entry accepts ergothioneine as a non-medicinal ingredient below 6 mg/day for ages 14 years and older, subject to conditions on the product's claims.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Sells it as ErgoActive
California ingredient company that makes nature-identical specialty nutrients by fermentation and bioconversion, including ergothioneine, L-theanine, hydroxytyrosol, pterostilbene and vitamin K2.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include fermentation-derived L-ergothioneine, synthetic L-ergothioneine, mushroom extracts and diluted blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), identity and optical rotation, production-strain residues, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed in a cool, dry place protected from light. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier's specification, with assay repeated at retest.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 734 for ergothioneine, notified by Blue California for use in baked goods, coffee, tea, fruit drinks, soft drinks and chocolate candy; it closed on May 7, 2018 with FDA having no questions. GRN 1191, for ergothioneine produced by Escherichia coli BL-21 (DE3) from Shanghai EGT Synbio Group, closed on January 30, 2025 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae whole cells for biosynthesis as source materials for ergothioneine. The same entry accepts ergothioneine as a non-medicinal ingredient below 6 mg/day for ages 14 years and older, subject to conditions on the product's claims.
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