PeakO2 is a patented blend of 6 adaptogenic mushrooms (Cordyceps militaris, Reishi, King Trumpet, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail) designed for exercise performance. A 2017 study at the University of North Carolina found 4g/day for 21 days increased VO2max by 7% and time to exhaustion by 70 seconds. Our research shows this is ONE study from ONE group — promising but far from definitive. The blend approach makes it impossible to attribute effects to any single mushroom. Cordyceps (the primary active for exercise) has its own monograph with stronger standalone evidence.
Proposed mechanisms from individual mushroom components: (1) Cordyceps militaris — cordycepin enhances mitochondrial ATP production and oxygen utilization; (2) Reishi — triterpenes modulate cortisol response (adaptogenic); (3) Lion's Mane — NGF stimulation (cognitive under fatigue); (4) Turkey Tail — beta-glucan immune support during heavy training; (5) Shiitake — eritadenine cardiovascular support; (6) King Trumpet — ergothioneine antioxidant. The combination is hypothesized to address multiple exercise-limiting factors simultaneously.
See individual mushroom monographs (cordyceps.md, reishi.md, lions-mane.md, turkey-tail-mushroom.md). Primary concern: Reishi has blood-thinning properties.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.