Button Mushroom - Potential Source of Vitamin D2 and Possibilities of Value Addition

Abstract

Background: Despite, being known as the sunshine vitamin, there is a widespread deficiency of vitamin D. Mushrooms upon exposure to sunlight or UV radiations can synthesize vitamin D2 due to the presence of its precursor, ergosterol. The most common mushroom to be consumed worldwide is the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). These mushrooms possess a high nutritional value and have many therapeutic benefits. Objectives: This review aims to comprehend the potential of button mushrooms as a source of vitamin D2 and the possibilities of making value added products by incorporating button mushrooms. Conclusion: As button mushrooms are grown in dark chambers, they have negligible amounts of vitamin D2, however, on exposure to sunlight or UV B radiation, nutritionally significant vitamin D2 can be generated in fresh, whole, sliced or dried powder. The synthesis of vitamin D2 is largely dependent on the type of UV radiation, its intensity, temperature and exposed surface area. As fresh button mushrooms are highly perishable, they are often preserved in the form of jams, sauce, pickles and candy. Dried button mushroom powder finds utility in formulating nutrient enriched cakes, breads, biscuits, cookies, soup powders and composite flours. With the ever- increasing demand for novel health foods, vitamin D enhanced button mushroom and its powder can be used in various forms in the diet as a sustainable non-animal substitute to supplements and pills to tackle vitamin D deficiency.