Accumulation characteristics of mineral elements in the fruiting bodies of Lentinula edodes from main production areas in China

Introduction China is the world’s leading producer of Lentinula edodes , the most widely consumed edible mushroom and an important dietary element source. However, no nationwide study has systematically assessed its mineral profile, including content ranking, elemental enrichment/absorption patterns, and the respective influences of origin, cultivar, and heavy metals. Methods Ten essential minerals (K, Ca, Na, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Se, Mn, Zn) were analyzed in L. edodes fruiting bodies. Samples were collected from 44 production bases across 39 major production regions in China, all cultivated under a standardized substrate formula. Results The average mineral contents ranked as follows: K > P > Mg > Ca > Na > Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu > Se. K, P, and Se were enriched from substrate, whereas Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, and Mn were absorbed. Origin influenced K, Mg, P, and Cu; cultivar affected K, P, and Cu; heavy metals impacted Ca, Fe, Zn, and Se. Notably, K, Mg, P, Mn, Cu, and Zn contributed meaningfully to dietary recommendations for the age groups of 7, 18, and 75 years. Discussion L. edodes exhibits a favorable high-K, low-Na dietary profile, and its high Se enrichment activity makes it a promising candidate for Se-enriched mushroom products.