How Long Do Supplements Take to Work?

How Long is Advisable to Take Vitamins and Supplements to See Full Results?

Whether you have a lot or no experience with food supplements, there is a recurring question: how much time does it take to notice their full effects?

Just as a month of training for a marathon is not enough to prepare us for it, one month of supplementation may not be enough time for the nutrients in the supplements to be metabolized and integrated into the cells.

Scientific evidence suggests a minimum dietary supplementation period of 12 weeks (three months). However, it is essential to note that initial effects can already be seen after 6 weeks, while more significant improvements will be observed after 18 weeks. Let us analyze these facts in more detail.

Benefits After 12 Weeks

The article A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan published in March 2024 in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, explores the results of several studies conducted on the intake of various mushroom supplements with Hericium Erinaceus (Lion’s Mane).

Although further studies are needed, initial results indicate an improvement in mood and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. As detailed in this blog, the article reports, "Significant benefits have been observed with dose sizes of at least 3 g/day and durations of 12 weeks or more."

Supplement Formats, Concentrations, and Other Data to Consider

Whether capsules or syrups, extracts (more concentrated) or powders (less focused), taking recommended 2–3 drops per day, different formulations and guidelines may vary. However, the minimum recommended time for optimal results is three months, as clinical trials and medical recommendations indicate. It is important to note that this duration can be adjusted according to specific analytical results and individual goals.

As a leading food supplement development laboratory, Mycolove Farm specializes in creating concentrated formulas with high levels of active biomolecules. Based on scientific evidence, this approach reduces the daily dosage while delivering the most effective therapeutic dose.

Internal Studies: 6, 12 and 18 Weeks

As mentioned, we collaborate with health professionals in our laboratory to test the effectiveness of our formulas. Thanks to these collaborations and our experience, we can confirm that we see very satisfactory results after three months.

Lyme Disease

The study on chronic Lyme disease showed that the use of Reishi and Hericium (Lion’s Mane) extracts for 3 months significantly improves persistent symptoms:

65% of the participants responded positively to the questions concerning improvement in fatigue after 12 weeks.
57% of the participants responded positively to questions concerning improving pain intensity after 12 weeks.

Paediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder

In the Study on Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder (FGID), a pediatrician in Functional and Integrative Medicine and an expert in detoxification showed that the combined intake of syrup with Reishi and Hericium and Vitamin D3 (Cocovit D) for 12 weeks resulted in:

A reduction in the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain.
A significant reduction in diarrhea.
A substantial improvement in dermatitis (present in 40% of participants at the beginning of the study).
A reduction in the time needed to reconcile sleep (at the beginning of the study, 30% of the participants had difficulties).
An increase in beneficial bacteria for intestinal balance, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Veillonella spp., Bacteroides spp., and Oxalobacter.

First Results After 6 Weeks

What does our experience show? Recent clinical studies collaborating with health professionals indicate that the minimum recommended duration is three months. However, in the sixth week (1.5 months), one can already start to notice the effects of high-quality mushroom supplements on the mind and body.

Equally important is the holistic approach that complements supplement use. Just as starting a new diet often involves committing to drinking at least two liters of water daily, incorporating exercise and beginning a supplement regimen should also be part of a broader lifestyle strategy. This strategy typically includes dietary adjustments and mindful practices designed to address nutritional deficiencies, enhance nutrient absorption, and support the body as it adapts to these changes. Combining these elements is often key to achieving health and wellness goals.

Significant Improvements After 18 Weeks

Health is a long-term personal journey, and we understand that. Regarding supplements, it’s essential to recognize that their benefits are not instantaneous; even antibiotics require consistent use and time to be effective.

For this reason, it is essential to follow professional guidance and be determined to embrace the change. With patience, mushroom extract supplements can lead to notable improvements, such as better sleep, which is often disrupted by our busy lifestyles.

Summary

Taking supplements for at least three months allows your body to build up adequate nutrients and experience their full benefits. The positive effects on health may not be immediate, as the body needs time to adapt and enhance its functions.

Supplements can also be crucial in supporting the immune system. They provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body’s defenses, particularly during increased exposure to illnesses like winter.