From the Guidelines
Cordyceps supplementation is not recommended for geriatric populations due to the potential risk of adverse interactions with other medications and the lack of robust evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in this age group. When considering the use of cordyceps in older adults, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly in the context of polypharmacy, which is common in this population 1. The American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria and the STOPP tool can be useful resources for assessing the safety of medications, including herbal supplements like cordyceps, in older adults 1.
Given the limited evidence-based data on the use of cordyceps in older adults with cardiovascular disease, a comprehensive individual geriatric risk assessment should be conducted to inform therapeutic decisions 1. This assessment should take into account health habits, cardiovascular risk factors, multimorbidity, physical and cognitive status, life expectancy, time to benefit or harm, and goals of care.
In general, older adults should exercise caution when using cordyceps supplements, and it is recommended that they consult their healthcare provider before starting use, especially if they have existing health conditions or take prescription medications 1. Potential side effects of cordyceps may include digestive discomfort, dry mouth, or nausea, and it may interact with medications that affect blood clotting, immune suppressants, or diabetes medications.
Ultimately, the decision to use cordyceps supplements in older adults should be made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, and with ongoing monitoring for adverse effects. However, given the potential risks and lack of robust evidence, it is generally recommended to avoid cordyceps supplementation in geriatric populations.
From the Research
Safety of Cordyceps Supplementation in Geriatric Populations
- The safety of Cordyceps supplementation in geriatric populations is a topic of interest, with several studies investigating its effects on exercise performance, immune function, and overall health 2, 3, 4.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) supplementation improved exercise performance in healthy older subjects, with no significant changes in metabolic or ventilatory threshold in the placebo group 2.
- Another study found that Cordyceps mycelium culture extract (Paecilomyces hepiali, CBG-CS-2) enhanced immune function in healthy adults, with a significant increase in natural killer cell cytotoxic activity 3.
- A review of the pharmacological and economical aspects of Cordyceps species found that they have been studied for their potential health benefits, including immune-enhancing effects, and are considered safe with no reported side effects 5.
- A randomized controlled clinical trial found that Cordyceps militaris beverage increased natural killer cell activity in healthy adults, with no significant changes in blood sugar, lipid, or safety indices 4.
- However, a clinical review of herbal medications and dietary supplements found that the evidence for their safety and effectiveness is mixed, and that they can contribute to polypharmacy and interact with conventional medications 6.
Potential Interactions and Considerations
- Cordyceps supplementation may interact with conventional medications, and its use should be discussed with a physician, particularly in older adults with multimorbidity 6.
- The use of Cordyceps supplements may contribute to polypharmacy, and physicians should consider this when evaluating the risk-benefit ratio of supplement use in older adults 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of Cordyceps supplementation in geriatric populations, particularly in those with underlying health conditions or taking multiple medications 2, 3, 4.