Enhanced energy and endurance
Improves physical performance, stamina, and energy levels
Cordyceps
Parasitic fungus traditionally used for energy, endurance, respiratory health, and overall vitality enhancement
Scientific nameCordyceps sinensis/militaris
FormulaComplex bioactive compounds
Molecular weightVariable natural compounds g/mol
CASVarious bioactive compounds
75
absorption score
8
safety / 10
60
USD per month
5
documented interactions
Check it against something
Cordyceps with:
- Amylase
- Ashwagandha
- Avocado Oil
- BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- Beetroot Powder
- Beta-Alanine
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bovine Collagen
- Caffeine
- Calcium
- Calcium Bone Formula
- Calcium Carbonate
- Casein Protein
- Chicken Collagen
- Choline (Bitartrate)
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Coconut Oil
- Collagen Peptides
- Comprehensive Immune Support Complex
- Comprehensive Multivitamin-Mineral Complex
- Creatine HCL
- Creatine Monohydrate
- D-Mannose
- DHA
- Electrolyte Blend
- EPA
- Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
- Folate (5-MTHF)
- Ginger
- Iron Fumarate
- Iron Sulfate
- Joint Mobility Formula
- Keratin
- Krill Oil
- L-Carnitine
- L-Citrulline
- Lactase
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lipase
- Magnesium Citrate
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Marine Collagen
- Melatonin
- Modafinil
- Olive Oil Extract
- Omega-3 + Curcumin + Vitamin D Triple Anti-Inflammatory Formula
- Papain
- Protease
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Turmeric
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
- Vitamin D3
- Whey Protein
- Zinc Gluconate
Nothing found
78
out of 100
Works better together
Compatible. Timing differs, so follow each supplement's own window.
What it does
mechanism and evidence for each claimImproved respiratory function
Supports lung health and breathing capacity
Immune system modulation
Balances and strengthens immune function
Kidney and adrenal support
Supports kidney function and adrenal health
Blood sugar regulation
May help maintain healthy blood glucose levels
Others take these for the same thing
Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one
Creatine Monohydrate
Strength & power enhancement
3-5g
A
95%
Probiotics for Autoimmune Disease Support
Gut health & immune modulation
10-100 billion CFU daily
B
60%
Calcium
Bone health & muscle function
1,000-1,200 mg
A
30%
Ashwagandha
Stress management & energy
300-600mg
A
75%
Magnesium Glycinate
Superior absorption sleep & muscle support
200-600 mg
A
90%
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Energy & nerve support
250-1000 mcg
A
70%
Every pair we checked
12 combinations scored by the engine
Cordyceps + Caffeine
May cause overstimulation when combined
Needs attention
61
Cordyceps + Creatine Monohydrate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Calcium Carbonate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Whey Protein
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Lactase
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Bovine Collagen
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + DHA
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Turmeric
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Cordyceps + Rhodiola Rosea
Enhanced adaptogenic and performance benefits
Works better together
78
Cordyceps + Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Enhanced cellular energy and ATP production
Works better together
78
Cordyceps + Vitamin D3
Enhanced energy metabolism and performance
Works better together
78
Dosage
Daily500-3000mg
General health500-1000mg daily
Athletic performance1000-3000mg daily
Respiratory support1000-2000mg daily
Immune modulation500-1500mg daily
Before you take it
VeganYes
When to expect it
First Effects2-4 weeks for energy and endurance benefits
Peak Benefits6-12 weeks for sustained performance and health benefits
Deficiency DevelopmentReturn to baseline energy and performance levels
Toxicity OnsetVery rare, mainly overstimulation effects
How to measure it
MarkerVO2 max, energy markers, or immune function tests
OptimalImproved exercise capacity and immune markers
Deficient belowNot applicable for supplement
FrequencyMonitor performance metrics and energy levels
What people actually reported to the FDA
CAERS, 32 reports naming it as the suspectMost reported effects
Excluded from the list above: gastrointestinal obstruction (2). Those are people struggling with the tablet itself, not with the compound.
Named as the suspect
32 reports
of 38 that mention it at all
Serious outcome
89%
hospitalisation, emergency room or worse
Other Serious Outcome21
Hospitalization12
Visited Emergency Room10
Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →
What actually reaches you
The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption
High 75 of 100 · absorbs well relative to other forms
Delivered daily
1312.5 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered
$0.15 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage
Works better with
+
Rhodiola Rosea
Enhanced adaptogenic and performance benefits
Complementary adaptogenic herbs for stress and performance · level B
+
Coq10
Enhanced cellular energy and ATP production
Both support mitochondrial energy production · level B
+
B Complex Vitamins
Enhanced energy metabolism and performance
B vitamins required for energy production pathways · level BWhat not to take with Cordyceps
!
Immunosuppressive Drugs
May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Cordyceps stimulates immune function · moderate significance
!
Caffeine Excess
May cause overstimulation when combined
Both can increase energy and stimulation · minor significanceMedication interactions
Discuss these with a pharmacist before combiningMay enhance blood sugar lowering effects
What to do: Monitor blood glucose closely
May enhance anticoagulant effects
What to do: Monitor bleeding parameters
May reduce effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs
What to do: Avoid in organ transplant patients
Available forms
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract: Traditional variety, Well-studied, Premium quality, Authentic
Cordyceps Militaris Extract: Cultivated, More affordable, Sustainable, Higher cordycepin
Food sources
Wild Cordyceps sinensis
Rare and extremely expensive · 80
Cordyceps extract supplements
500-3000mg per capsule · 75-80
Cordyceps powder
Variable concentration · 70
Cordyceps tea
Lower concentration · 60
Too little
- Not essential - but symptoms addressed by cordyceps:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Poor athletic performance and endurance
- Respiratory weakness and poor lung function
- Frequent infections and immune dysfunction
- Poor stress tolerance and adrenal fatigue
- Reduced vitality and premature aging
Too much
- Generally safe but potential concerns:
- Overstimulation and restlessness
- Autoimmune flares in susceptible individuals
- Hypoglycemia with diabetes medications
- Increased bleeding with blood thinners
Who benefits most
athletes-endurance-performance
Excellent for improving athletic performance and endurance
1000-3000mg daily
fatigue-low-energy
Effective for boosting energy and combating fatigue
500-1500mg daily
respiratory-lung-health
Supports lung function and respiratory capacity
1000-2000mg daily
immune-support-modulation
Helps balance and strengthen immune function
500-1500mg daily
aging-vitality-longevity
Traditional anti-aging and vitality enhancement
500-1000mg dailyWhere to buy it
Look for Cordyceps at 500-3000mg per serving. The form that matters here is Cordyceps Sinensis Extract.
Find on Amazon
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
What else affects it
Beyond other supplements
!
Caffeine excess
May cause overstimulation when combined
Both can increase energy and stimulationHow it works
- Increases ATP production and cellular energy metabolism
- Enhances oxygen utilization and VO2 max capacity
- Modulates immune function through polysaccharides
- Supports adrenal and kidney function through adaptogenic effects
- Improves blood flow and circulation
- Contains cordycepin and other bioactive nucleosides
Key findings
what the evidence supports- Good evidence for athletic performance and endurance enhancement
- Promising for respiratory function and lung health
- Moderate evidence for immune modulation and energy
- Generally safe but monitor for drug interactions
Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02
Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →
Common questions
What are the benefits of Cordyceps?
Documented effects: Enhanced energy and endurance; Improved respiratory function; Immune system modulation; Kidney and adrenal support. Improves physical performance, stamina, and energy levels
How much Cordyceps should you take per day?
The common daily range is 500-3000mg. By goal — general health: 500-1000mg daily; athletic performance: 1000-3000mg daily; respiratory support: 1000-2000mg daily; immune modulation: 500-1500mg daily.
When is the best time to take Cordyceps?
Morning with meals. First effects are typically reported within 2-4 weeks for energy and endurance benefits.
What are the side effects of Cordyceps?
At excessive doses: Generally safe but potential concerns:, Overstimulation and restlessness, Autoimmune flares in susceptible individuals, Hypoglycemia with diabetes medications, Increased bleeding with blood thinners. Safety rating at normal doses is 8 out of 10.
What should you not take with Cordyceps?
Separate it from Immunosuppressive Drugs, Caffeine Excess by two to four hours. May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Does Cordyceps interact with medications?
Documented interactions with diabetes-medications, blood-thinners, immunosuppressive-medications. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.
How do you know if you need Cordyceps?
The marker is VO2 max, energy markers, or immune function tests, optimal range Improved exercise capacity and immune markers. Common deficiency signs: Not essential - but symptoms addressed by cordyceps:, Chronic fatigue and low energy, Poor athletic performance and endurance, Respiratory weakness and poor lung function.