Myco5Defense Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Myco5Defense against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Myco5Defense is a dietary supplement by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for thyroid health support, antioxidant support, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 574 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selenium, MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Myco5Defense contains 7 active ingredients. The one we have full data on is selenium, a mineral your body needs in trace amounts for immune function and thyroid health.
The product also includes maitake mushroom extract (MaitakeGold 404) and five other MycoFusions ingredients — we hold no interaction or safety data for those five. The inactive ingredients are hypromellose (a capsule material), rice flour, and magnesium stearate (a flow agent).
Does it work?
Not established
For selenium, the data shows it's likely effective for selenium deficiency and possibly effective for Kashin-Beck disease, pre-eclampsia, and autoimmune thyroiditis. It's rated possibly ineffective for high blood lipids (dyslipidemia).
For maitake mushroom extract, we hold insufficient evidence to rate its use for allergic rhinitis, chemotherapy-related anemia, laryngeal cancer, or chemotherapy-related diarrhea — meaning studies haven't firmly established whether it works for these purposes.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Selenium is generally well-tolerated when you stay within the daily upper limit of 400 mcg, but excess amounts can be toxic. Common side effects at normal doses are rare, but high doses can cause stomach discomfort, headache, rash, hair loss, nail changes, nausea, and weight loss.
In extreme cases, very high selenium intake has caused organ damage. Maitake mushroom is generally well tolerated as food, but supplement safety hasn't been fully studied.
The most common side effects reported in trials were mild — diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and one case of rash and itching that resolved on its own. The facts note concentrated maitake supplements should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking Myco5Defense, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin or other anticoagulants (Moderate risk — selenium and maitake may increase bleeding). Also flag blood sugar medications, blood pressure drugs, sedatives like barbiturates, immunosuppressants, birth control pills, or niacin supplements.
No interactions are documented for the five MycoFusions ingredients we could not check.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Myco5Defense may be worth considering if you're interested in mushroom-based immune support and have no medications that interact with selenium or maitake. If you take blood thinners, blood sugar medications, blood pressure drugs, or sedatives, this product requires careful review — talk it through with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
The same goes if you take birth control, niacin supplements, or any immunosuppressant. Because the other five ingredients in this product can't be checked for interactions, that's another reason to confirm with your own healthcare provider that it's right for you.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 11, 2022.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Myco5Defense, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Advanced Nutrition by Zahler |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 848998082116 |
| Net contents | 60 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Apr 11, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 260241 |
| Product type | Non-nutrient/non-botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Selenium | 27.5 mcg | 50% |
| MycoFusions | 250 mg | -- |
| MycoFusions | 250 mg | -- |
| MycoFusions | 250 mg | -- |
| MycoFusions | 250 mg | -- |
| MycoFusions | 250 mg | -- |
| MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract | 15 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation
Premium immune system support Zahler Myco5Defense includes a rich blend of organic mushrooms designed to potentiate and activate immune system functioning. This advanced formula helps support cellular protection.
Non-GMO Dairy free Soy free
Vegetarian friendly
Premium immune system support
Immune system support
General Statements
You may need additional supplements to support a healthy diet; consult your nutritionist for a formula that is right for you or contact us at 877-ASK-ZAHLER (877-275-9245) or [email protected].
Feel better, everyday.
Precautions
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.
If pregnant, nursing or on medication, consult with your healthcare practitioner.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Seals/Symbols
Dairy Kosher OU (Kosher) This product was manufactured in a GMP certified Facility
Made in the USA
Formula
Dairy Kosher OU (Kosher) Kosher Pareve Under the strict supervision of Rabbi SH. Stern & the orthodox union
Organic Mushroom blend
Maitake mushroom Shiitake ushrooms Reishi mushrooms Cordyceps mushrooms Chaga mushrooms
Storage
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take 2 capsules daily, preferably 1 capsule twice a day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Myco5Defense is a trademark of Advanced Nutrition by Zahler. SelenoExcell is a registered trademark of Cypress Systems, Inc. MaitakeGold404 is a registered trademark of Innophos, LLC. MycoFusions is a registered trademark of Innophos, LLC.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Selenium
Interacts with321 drugs
Selenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who...
Selenium monograph & interactionsMycoFusions
MycoFusions
MycoFusions
MycoFusions
MycoFusions
MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract
Interacts with260 drugs
Maitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and bl...
MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler has documented interactions through its selenium and maitake mushroom extract content.
The most serious concern is a Moderate-severity interaction between selenium and blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin — selenium may increase bleeding risk by enhancing how your blood clots are affected, and can also interfere directly with warfarin's activity.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Selenium also carries Moderate interactions with blood sugar medications (antidiabetes drugs), blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs), immune-suppressing drugs, sedatives (barbiturates), and a Minor interaction with birth control pills and niacin supplements. Maitake mushroom adds its own Moderate interactions with blood pressure drugs, blood sugar medications, and warfarin.
Altogether, these interactions span 574 individual medications.
We could not check interaction data for the five MycoFusions ingredients — the product facts hold no monograph for them. Because selenium and maitake mushroom each interact with blood thinners, blood sugar drugs, and blood pressure drugs, those categories matter especially if you take any of them.
Check your exact medications with the tool below before starting.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Myco5Defense?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Myco5Defense interact with 574 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 7 ingredients in Myco5Defense interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Selenium MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumBarbiturates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumBarbiturates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumBarbiturates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Acetazolamide interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Albiglutide interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Selenium + Alemtuzumab interactionAliskirenTekturna
How Aliskiren interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Aliskiren interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Maitakegold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Myco5Defense — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
SeleniumAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Selenium + Alteplase, Tpa interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Myco5Defense with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Selenium
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Selenium may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research suggests that taking selenium 10 mcg/kg/day can increase bleeding times by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity. Other clinical research suggests that taking selenium 75 mcg daily, in combination with ascorbic acid 600 mg, alpha-tocopherol 300 mg, and beta-carotene 27 mg, reduces platelet aggregation.
Barbiturates
Theoretically, selenium might prolong the sedating effects of barbiturates.
Laboratory research suggests that selenium can inhibit the hepatic metabolism of barbiturates. Selenium seems to prolong the sedative effect of pentobarbital in animal models.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, selenium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that selenium may stimulate the immune system.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, selenium might interfere with warfarin activity.
Animal research suggests that selenium can increase warfarin activity. Selenium might interact with warfarin by displacing it from albumin binding sites, reducing its metabolism in the liver, or by decreasing production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Selenium can also prolong bleeding times in humans by increasing prostacyclin production, which inhibits platelet activity.
Contraceptive Drugs
Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.
Niacin
Selenium might reduce the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as selenium, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
MaitakeGold 404 Maitake Mushroom Extract
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharide (MMP) can lower blood glucose levels in patients with types 2 diabetes.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Myco5Defense, from the product label.
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
See all Advanced Nutrition by Zahler products- Name
- Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
- City
- Brooklyn
- State
- NY
- ZipCode
- 11230
- Phone Number
- 877-275-9245
- Web Address
- www.zahlers.com
Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler: Common Questions
Does Myco5Defense by Advanced Nutrition by Zahler interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is selenium safe during pregnancy?
What happens if I take too much selenium?
Can maitake mushroom cause side effects?
Is maitake safe while breastfeeding?
What is selenium used for in this product?
What do the five MycoFusions ingredients do?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Myco5Defense is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Myco5Defense’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Selenium
Interacts with 321 drugsSelenium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and immune health. Most people who eat a varied diet get enough, and supple...
Read the full Selenium monograph → Herb & supplement monographMaitake Mushroom
Interacts with 260 drugsMaitake is an edible mushroom long used as food and in traditional Japanese medicine, and it is being studied for possible immune, blood sugar, and blood pressure effects. The human evidence...
Read the full Maitake Mushroom monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Myco5Defense's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 44 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Selenium 36 references
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Trafikowska U, Zachara BA, Wiacek M, et al. Selenium supply and glutathione peroxidase activity in breastfed Polish infants. Acta Paediatr 1996;85:1143-5. PubMed
- Duffield-Lillico AJ, Slate EH, Reid ME, et al. Selenium supplementation and secondary prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1477-81.. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Schiavon R, Freeman GE, Guidi GC, et al. Selenium enhances prostacyclin production by cultured endothelial cells: possible explanation for increased bleeding times in volunteers taking selenium as a dietary supplement. Thromb Res 1984;34:389-96. PubMed
- Davila JC, Edds GT, Osuna O, Simpson CF. Modification of the effects of aflatoxin B1 and warfarin in young pigs given selenium. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:1877-83. DOI
- Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
- Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7. PubMed
- Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32. PubMed
- Contempre B, Dumont JE, Ngo B, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation in hypothyroid subjects of an iodine and selenium deficient area: the possible danger of indiscriminate supplementation of iodine-deficient subjects with selenium. J Clin Endocrinol PubMed
- Hofbauer LC, Spitzweg C, Magerstadt RA, Heufelder AE. Selenium-induced thyroid dysfunction. Postgrad Med J 1997;73:103-4. PubMed
- Debski B, Milner JA. Dietary selenium supplementation prolongs pentobarbital induced hypnosis. J Nutr Biochem 2004;15:548-53. PubMed
- Ishikawa M, Sasaki M, Koiwai K, et al. Inhibition of hepatic mixed-function oxidase enzymes in mice by acute and chronic treatment with selenium. J Pharmacobiodyn 1992;15:377-85. PubMed
- Lippmann SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ, et al. Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT). JAMA 2009;301:39-51. DOI
- Reid SM, Middleton P, Cossich MC, Crowther CA. Interventions for clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(7):CD007752. PubMed
- Vinceti, M., Wei, E. T., Malagoli, C., Bergomi, M., and Vivoli, G. Adverse health effects of selenium in humans. Rev.Environ.Health 2001;16(4):233-251. PubMed
- Abrams, C. K., Siram, S. M., Galsim, C., Johnson-Hamilton, H., Munford, F. L., and Mezghebe, H. Selenium deficiency in long-term total parenteral nutrition. Nutr Clin Pract 1992;7(4):175-178. PubMed
- Spiller, H. A. and Pfiefer, E. Two fatal cases of selenium toxicity. Forensic Sci Int 8-24-2007;171(1):67-72. PubMed
- Negro, R., Greco, G., Mangieri, T., Pezzarossa, A., Dazzi, D., and Hassan, H. The influence of selenium supplementation on postpartum thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2007;92(4):1263-1268. PubMed
- Alexander, J. Selenium. Novartis.Found.Symp 2007;282:143-149.
- Salonen, J. T., Salonen, R., Seppanen, K., Rinta-Kiikka, S., Kuukka, M., Korpela, H., Alfthan, G., Kantola, M., and Schalch, W. Effects of antioxidant supplementation on platelet function: a randomized pair-matched, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
- Kupka, R., Mugusi, F., Aboud, S., Msamanga, G. I., Finkelstein, J. L., Spiegelman, D., and Fawzi, W. W. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of selenium supplements among HIV-infected pregnant women in Tanzania: effects on maternal and chil
- Kamble, P., Mohsin, N., Jha, A., Date, A., Upadhaya, A., Mohammad, E., Khalil, M., Pakkyara, A., and Budruddin, M. Selenium intoxication with selenite broth resulting in acute renal failure and severe gastritis. Saudi.J Kidney Dis.Transpl. 2009;20(1):106
- Peretz, A., Neve, J., Desmedt, J., Duchateau, J., Dramaix, M., and Famaey, J. P. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1991;53(5):1323-1328. PubMed
- Kumpulainen, J., Salmenpera, L., Siimes, M. A., Koivistoinen, P., and Perheentupa, J. Selenium status of exclusively breast-fed infants as influenced by maternal organic or inorganic selenium supplementation. Am.J Clin.Nutr. 1985;42(5):829-835. PubMed
- Han, L. and Zhou, S. M. Selenium supplement in the prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension. Chin Med J (Engl) 1994;107(11):870-871.
- Kiremidjian-Schumacher, L., Roy, M., Wishe, H. I., Cohen, M. W., and Stotzky, G. Supplementation with selenium and human immune cell functions. II. Effect on cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 1994;41(1-2):115-127. PubMed
- Srivastava, A. K., Gupta, B. N., Bihari, V., and Gaur, J. S. Generalized hair loss and selenium exposure. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1995;37(5):468-469.
- Sudfeld CR, Aboud S, Kupka R, et al. Effect of selenium supplementation on HIV-1 RNA detection in breast milk of Tanzanian women. Nutrition 2014;30(9):1081-4. PubMed
- Rees K, Hartley L, Day C, et al. Selenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD009671. PubMed
- Thompson PA, Ashbeck EL, Roe DJ, et al. Selenium Supplementation for Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas and Risk of Associated Type 2 Diabetes. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016;108(12). PubMed
- Wichman J, Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Hegedüs L. Selenium supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibody levels in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid 2016;26(12):1681-92. PubMed
- Vinceti M, Filippini T, Rothman KJ. Selenium exposure and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Sep;33(9):789-810. Epub 2018 Jul 5. Review. PubMed
- Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Contraception. 2009;80(1):40-3. PubMed
- Malpas CB, Vivash L, Genc S, et al. A Phase IIa Randomized Control Trial of VEL015 (Sodium Selenate) in Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;54(1):223-232. PubMed
Maitake Mushroom 8 references
- Kabir Y, Kimura S. Dietary mushrooms reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1989;35:91-4. PubMed
- Kabir Y, Yamaguchi M, Kimura S. Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1987;33:341-6. PubMed
- Konno S, Tortorelis DG, Fullerton SA, et al. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 2001;18:1010. PubMed
- Chen JT, Tominaga K, Sato Y, et al. Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate. J Altern Compl
- Hanselin MR, Vande Griend JP, Linnebur SA. INR elevation with maitake extract in combination with warfarin. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:223-4. PubMed
- Talpur, N. A., Echard, B. W., Fan, A. Y., Jaffari, O., Bagchi, D., and Preuss, H. G. Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of whole Maitake mushroom powder and its fractions in two rat strains. Mol.Cell Biochem. 2002;237(1-2):129-136. PubMed
- Deng, G., Lin, H., Seidman, A., Fornier, M., D'Andrea, G., Wesa, K., Yeung, S., Cunningham-Rundles, S., Vickers, A. J., and Cassileth, B. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: i
- Wesa KM, Cunningham-Rundles S, Klimek VM, et al. Maitake mushroom extract in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015;64(2):237-47. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC