Vegan Vitamin D3: Why It's Important and Where to Find It

At Ethical Nutrition, we work tirelessly to bring you supplements that will provide you with the full range of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function optimally, that you may not be able to get from your daily diet alone. This is why we have added three new supplements to our range that give you everything you need to support your body’s natural processes.

One in particular is Vegan Vitamin D3.

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin made of multiple compounds, including vitamins D2, which is derived from plants, and D3, which is found in humans and other animals. This vitamin is produced naturally by our skin when it comes into contact with the sun’s rays and triggers vitamin D synthesis. This vitamin is often associated with a steady level of mood, good immune function, strong bones and and good physical energy levels. 

Where Can I Find Vegan Vitamin D?

As you will have gathered from the section above, vitamin D is a difficult vitamin to find, because we have to get it through one of three sources:

·       Through our skin after spending adequate time in the sun

·       From fortified plants

·       From animal products – which obviously is not vegan.

Vitamin D is rarely found naturally in foods, although certain fortified foods may contain Vitamin D enhancement. That means that anyone on a vegetarian, plant-based, or vegan diet needs to be aware of the potential to be deficient in vitamin D3.

Why is Vegan Vitamin D3 Important?

Vitamin D has several important functions, namely transforming into a hormone, distributing itself through the bloodstream, and regulating the absorption of phosphorus and calcium – both essential minerals. It is also responsible for promoting the functionality of a normal immune system and can also offer a much higher level of resistance against disease. Other notable benefits are:

Weight Loss Benefits

It can aid weight loss in controlled environments. While the ideal way to lose weight is by gradually reducing one’s caloric intake and increasing the amount of exercise done, one study showed that subjects who took a daily calcium and Vitamin D supplement found it easier to lose more weight than the subjects who took a placebo supplement. This was due to the appetite suppressing nature of the combination of Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements.

Mental Health Benefits

It has also been said that taking Vitamin D3 can be helpful when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of depression. While research on this specific claim is limited, there has been a study that linked a reduction in subjects’ depression and low mood, and subsequent weight gain with an increased or introduced intake of Vitamin D.

Calcium Regulation

Vitamin D3 also interacts with calcium, which is vital for the body’s ability to produce hormones, maintain strong bones and transmit nerve impulses to the brain. Almost all of the body’s Vitamin D3 supply is utilised for regulating the calcium in the body, with the remaining part used for strengthening the immune system.

Regulation of Natural Processes

Vitamin D3 can have an impact on as many as 2,000 different genes in the human body and has a direct role in many aspects of physical health. Vitamin D receptors are found in almost every cell in the body, and as soon as Vitamin D binds to one of these receptors, it will turn the genes on or off, causing changes to occur at the cellular level. This process has been said to “turn off” cancer-causing genes, as well as “turning on” immunoprotective genes, encouraging the body to absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Why is Vegan Vitamin D3 Necessary for Vegans and Vegetarians? 

Unfortunately, most food sources of Vitamin D are found in animal products, such as oily fish, egg yolks, yoghurt and milk. However, cereals, fat spreads, dairy-free milks and fruit juices that are fortified with Vitamin D may be suitable for those who follow a plant-based diet and can be considered vegan Vitamin D foods.

Depending on their diet, many vegans and vegetarians need to take Vitamin D3 supplements as they avoid the foods that a lot of Vitamin D is found naturally. For this reason, many vegans take Vitamin D3 supplements to be on the safe side, particularly in the winter, when sunlight is limited. 

A great deal of commercial Vitamin D3 supplements are made using cholecalciferol derived from lanolin, which is an extract of sheep’s wool. With this in mind, vegans need to check the ingredients in their Vitamin D3 supplement to ensure it does not contain any animal products and are vegan. 

Vegan Vitamin D Foods: Top 5 Vegan Sources of Vitamin D

The best vegan sources of vitamin D are:

1. Soy, Almond, and Rice Milks (Fortified)

2. Mushrooms

3. Fortified Cereals

4. Orange Juice (Fortified)

5. The Sun!

Our Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplement

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or transitioning to a fully vegan diet, a vegan vitamin D3 supplement is a must-have for your daily routine.

Our new Vegan Vitamin D3 supplement is additive-free, plant-based, palm oil-free and cruelty-free. Our Vegan Vitamin D3 has been carefully sourced from lichen to give you the most concentrated vegan source of Vitamin D3 available. Of course, the capsules are vegan too.

Our packaging is also fully recyclable and biodegradable, so you can feel good about feeling good! Find our Vegan Vitamin D3 supplement here.

Disclaimer. This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Please consult with your doctor before making lifestyle and dietary changes.