At what age can children eat mushrooms?

> Important: this article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with a pediatrician. Make decisions about your child's diet together with your doctor.

Mushrooms are rich in protein and minerals, but for a child's body they're a difficult food. That's why the question "at what age can children eat mushrooms" deserves its own discussion: digestion, the risk of poisoning and the cooking method all matter here.

Let's go over the main precautions for parents.

Why mushrooms are given to children with caution

Mushrooms contain chitin — a substance a child's digestive system has a hard time absorbing. Because of this, even safe mushrooms can cause heaviness, bloating or an upset stomach in little ones. And most importantly, in case of poisoning from a misidentified species, a child suffers more than an adult because of their lower body weight.

From what age

Many pediatricians advise not to rush with mushrooms: little ones usually aren't given them at all, and they're introduced more around school age, in small portions and only well cooked. The exact age and amount depend on the child, so go by your doctor's recommendation.

Which mushrooms are more suitable

• Store-bought button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms — safer than wild ones, because there's no risk of mixing up the species.
• Well boiled or stewed — not raw.
• Small portions as an addition to a dish, not its basis.

What to avoid for children

• Wild mushrooms with a doubtful identification.
• Raw mushrooms in salads.
• Pickled and salted preserves — because of the vinegar, salt and the risk of botulism.
• Large portions of even safe mushrooms.

On dangerous lookalike pairs and the most poisonous mushroom in Ukraine we wrote separately — it's the main reason for caution.

Sources

• "Field Guide to the Mushrooms of Ukraine" (Kyiv, Naukova Dumka publishing house).
• Edible mushroom on Wikipedia.
• Mushroom poisoning on Wikipedia.