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Peak O2 Performance Mushroom Blend

Also known as: PeakO2®, Performance Mushroom Blend, Adaptogenic Mushroom Blend, PeakO2® Performance Mushroom Blend

Overview

PeakO2® is a proprietary, organic-certified blend of six adaptogenic mushroom species: *Cordyceps militaris*, *Ganoderma lucidum*, *Lentinula edodes*, *Pleurotus ostreatus*, *Grifola frondosa*, and *Trametes versicolor*. Cultivated in the USA, this blend is designed to enhance physical performance by improving oxygen utilization and endurance. It is primarily used as a pre-workout or endurance supplement to boost oxygen consumption (VO2 max), increase power output, and delay fatigue. The blend combines mushrooms known for their adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties, standardized for beta-glucan content, and formulated to be neutrally flavored and water-soluble for easy integration into beverages. While research is emerging, some controlled human trials suggest its efficacy in recreationally active individuals.

Benefits

PeakO2® has shown promising benefits for enhancing athletic performance. A 2015 double-blind placebo-controlled RCT demonstrated that 3 weeks of 4 g/day supplementation significantly improved VO2 max, time to exhaustion (TTE), and peak power output during high-intensity cycling in recreationally active adults. This suggests improved oxygen kinetics and delayed fatigue, with increased ventilatory threshold and reduced lactate accumulation. Beyond performance, the blend offers potential immunomodulatory benefits due to beta-glucans, which can enhance white blood cell function and reduce inflammatory cytokines, based on properties of mushrooms like *Trametes versicolor* and *Ganoderma lucidum*. It may also support gut health through the prebiotic effects of its polysaccharides. These benefits are most relevant for endurance athletes and individuals engaged in high-intensity aerobic sports, with effects typically observed after 3 weeks of consistent daily use.

How it works

PeakO2® primarily functions by enhancing oxygen utilization during exercise, likely through improved mitochondrial efficiency and overall oxygen kinetics. The adaptogenic compounds within the mushroom blend help the body adapt to physical stress, supporting aerobic metabolism and delaying the onset of fatigue by optimizing oxygen delivery and utilization in muscle tissue. Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides present in the mushrooms also modulate immune function and inflammation, contributing to overall physiological resilience. The water-soluble formulation of PeakO2® is designed to improve its absorption and bioavailability, allowing the active compounds to interact effectively with various body systems to support performance.

Side effects

PeakO2® is generally regarded as safe, with no adverse events reported in clinical studies at dosages up to 4 grams per day. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been documented in controlled trials. While no significant drug interactions are known, caution is advised for individuals taking immunosuppressants due to the immune-modulating effects of some mushroom components. Contraindications include individuals with known mushroom allergies or autoimmune diseases, where its immune-modulating properties might be a concern. Safety has not been established for special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with chronic illnesses, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for PeakO2® appears to be approximately 4 grams daily, based on a 2015 randomized controlled trial that observed significant performance improvements. Optimal dosage ranges are generally suggested to be between 1 to 4 grams daily, supported by manufacturer recommendations and limited research. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but no adverse effects have been reported at dosages up to 4 grams per day. PeakO2® is typically taken daily, and while pre-workout use is common, specific timing relative to exercise is not strictly defined. It is available in both capsule and powder forms, with its water-soluble formulation enhancing absorption and bioavailability. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Does PeakO2® improve endurance?

Yes, a small randomized controlled trial indicated that 3 weeks of supplementation with PeakO2® improved VO2 max and time to exhaustion, suggesting enhanced endurance.

Is PeakO2® safe for daily use?

Clinical studies have reported no adverse events with daily use, suggesting a good safety profile for PeakO2® at recommended dosages.

How quickly do effects appear?

Benefits from PeakO2® supplementation have been observed after approximately 3 weeks of consistent daily use.

Is PeakO2® effective for all athletes?

Current data is limited to recreationally active young adults. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in elite athletes or other populations.

Can PeakO2® replace other ergogenic aids?

PeakO2® may complement other ergogenic supplements, but more research is needed to determine if it can replace established aids. It's best viewed as an additive.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4594151/ – This double-blind placebo-controlled RCT (Hirsch et al., 2015) investigated the effects of a mushroom blend (including Cordyceps militaris) on exercise performance. It found that 4 g/day supplementation for 3 weeks significantly improved VO2 max, time to exhaustion, and peak power output in recreationally active adults during high-intensity cycling, suggesting enhanced oxygen kinetics and delayed fatigue. The study had a small sample size (n=11 completers), limiting generalizability.
https://compoundsolutions.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-peako2/ – This source from Compound Solutions, the manufacturer, highlights the benefits of PeakO2®, emphasizing its role in improving oxygen utilization and athletic performance. It discusses the blend's adaptogenic properties and its water-soluble nature, which enhances bioavailability and ease of use. The information supports the general overview and mechanism of action of the blend.
https://allmaxnutrition.com/es/products/peako2%C2%AE – This product page from Allmax Nutrition, a brand using PeakO2®, describes the blend's composition and its intended benefits for athletes. It reinforces the claims of improved endurance, oxygen uptake, and power output, aligning with the performance-enhancing aspects of the supplement. It also mentions the blend's natural and organic sourcing.
https://nutrabio.com/blogs/endurelite/how-medicinal-mushrooms-can-help-maximize-your-mileage – This blog post from NutraBio discusses how medicinal mushrooms, including those in PeakO2®, can support endurance and athletic performance. It delves into the adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties of specific mushrooms like Cordyceps and Ganoderma, providing a broader context for the 'how it works' section and secondary benefits.
https://axeandsledge.com/blogs/news/peak-o2-ingredient-breakdown – This article from Axe & Sledge provides a detailed breakdown of the ingredients in PeakO2®, explaining the role of each mushroom species in the blend. It reinforces the adaptogenic and performance-enhancing claims, offering insights into the synergistic effects of the different mushrooms. It also touches upon the safety profile and general usage.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228073/ – This RCT (Fye et al., 2021) investigated a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement that included a mushroom blend. While the study focused on acute effects in highly trained runners, it suggested an 84% chance of increasing time to fatigue at the lactate threshold. However, the mushroom dose was likely too small for isolated conclusions, and the study involved a proprietary blend, limiting direct attribution to PeakO2® alone.
https://www.phd.com/perform-smart/can-adaptogens-make-the-difference/ – This article from PhD Nutrition discusses the potential of adaptogens, including those found in mushroom blends, to enhance athletic performance. It provides a general overview of how adaptogens can help the body manage stress and improve physical capabilities, supporting the 'how it works' and 'benefits' sections by contextualizing the adaptogenic nature of PeakO2®.