Consumers are increasingly seeindifference between iron and ferrous sulfateg mushrooms as beneficial ingredients due to their functional health claims. In addition to their adaptability to different dishes and flavors, mushrooms are considered a superfood because of their nutrient profile. They contain the soluble fiber beta glucan, which scientists say can help bolster the immune system. They have virtually no fat or cholesterol and contain B vitamins, as well as selenium and potassium. Mushrooms also are easy to add to products, whether they’re included in beverages such as lemonade, cider, or coffee, or made into snack chips or other food products.###Big Food companies have noted the mushroom’s potential and are putting money behind the ingredient. Last fall, Kellogg invested through its VC arslow release calcium citratem in ​MycoTechnology, a Colorado firm making vegan shiitake mushroom-based protein. General Mills also invessleep vitamins ollyted $3 million in Purely Elizabeth, a company that uses functional mushroom powder in its wellness bars to increase energy, vitality and immunity.  Another smaller mushroom company, Four Sigmatic, includes them in coffees, elixirs, lemonade and super blends of various mushrooms.###Now a fiber ingredient which is part of the mushroom can apparently be used as a natural preservative and an anti-microbial. According to AgFunder, while chitosan’s antimicrobial properties are known, its effectiveness as a natural preservative has been limited. Chinova Bioworks’ technology can produce chitosan with the molecular characteristics to be as effective as traditional synthetic preservatives yet remain a completely natural product.###There don’t seem to be any limitations on the growth of mushroom aelemental iron vs ferrous bisglycinatepplications, although the “ick” factor may occasionally raise its head with some consumers. But since the ingredient is typically used in powder form — or vacuum-fried in the case of the snack chips — that shouldn’t be as big an calcium citrate nature’s bountyissue as it might be with fresh or dried mushrooms. As long as mushrooms in their various forms deliver on wellness and other claims, their popularity and continued variety of applications seems assured.