Supplement · Longevity & metabolic
Ergothioneine
Also known as: EGT
A mushroom-derived antioxidant dubbed a 'longevity vitamin', with observational support.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Ergothioneine is a sulphur-containing antioxidant amino acid, richest in mushrooms, that accumulates in tissues via a dedicated transporter — a sign the body values it, which has led some to call it a 'longevity vitamin'.
Observational studies link higher blood ergothioneine to lower cardiovascular disease and mortality, which is intriguing, but these are associations, not proof, and randomised supplement trials with hard outcomes are lacking. Eating mushrooms is a simple way to raise intake.