CITIZENS NEWS

Innovation in plant-based nutrition: How vegan Vitamin D3 breaks industry norms

By hrseditor // 2025-04-18

• The supplement industry is transitioning from animal-derived vitamin D3 (from sheep lanolin) to eco-friendly lichen-based options to meet ethical demands and reduce environmental impact.
• Essential for good health and calcium absorption, this nutrient is often deficient in populations with limited sun exposure. Supplements are vital for many, but source choices matter for effectiveness and ethics.
• Unlike animal-based lanolin or less-effective fungal vitamin D2, lichen produces vitamin D3 identical to the human form, ensuring strong bioavailability and ethical sourcing while relying on a renewable, low-impact resource.
• Major brands now prioritize plant-based vitamin D3, driven by consumer pressure for vegan-friendly, sustainable products that align with animal welfare and ecological values.
• Lichen-based vitamin D3 supports global health equity, combats vitamin deficiencies and signals a shift toward harmonizing human nutrition with planetary well-being, pointing to future innovations in ethical, eco-conscious supplements.

In a world increasingly mindful of ethical choices, sustainability and health, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the vitamin supplement industry: the move away from animal-derived vitamin D3 and toward plant-based alternatives made from lichen. Once dominated by sources like sheep’s wool (lanolin), vitamin D3 supplements are now embracing innovation to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly, cruelty-free options without compromising on effectiveness. (h/t to NutritionSource.HSPH.Harvard.edu)

Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D, often dubbed nature’s "sunshine vitamin," is essential for calcium absorption, optimal bone health and immune function. While your body can produce it through sunlight exposure, many people, particularly those in northern climates, with darker skin tones or limited outdoor activity, often struggle to get enough. For them, supplements become a lifeline since they’re often the only way to bridge the gap. Until recently, the most bioavailable form of supplemental vitamin D, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), was derived largely from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep’s wool. While efficient in boosting vitamin D levels, this animal-based method has faced criticism for ethical concerns and reliance on a specific supply chain. Meanwhile, plant-based vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), sourced from fungi, has been less effective for humans. It requires more metabolic work to convert into an active form, making it less preferred by those seeking optimal results.

Lichen: Nature’s eco-friendly vitamin D3 solution

Enter lichen: A fascinating symbiosis of algae and fungi that grows on trees and rocks worldwide. While not as popular as its animal counterpart, lichen naturally produces vitamin D3, a breakthrough scientists have leveraged to create a vegetarian-friendly alternative. This innovation harnesses lichen’s natural processes, bypassing animals entirely. The lichen-to-vitamin D3 journey is both simple and sustainable. Lichen is sustainably harvested, cleaned and gently processed to extract D3 using methods that ensure purity and potency. Unlike lanolin collection, which relies on sheep farming, lichen is renewable, slow-growing and abundant in diverse ecosystems, making its cultivation both eco-friendly and cruelty-free.

Why vegans and health-conscious consumers are turning to lichen

The surge in interest in lichen-based D3 supplements is fueled by three key advantages over traditional lanolin-sourced D3: Ethical appeal For vegans, vegetarians and those seeking to reduce their ecological footprint, lichen-based D3 aligns with values that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability. It removes the ethical dilemma of relying on animal by-products, delivering a product that meets dietary restrictions. Bioavailability equals effectiveness Unlike vitamin D2, lichen-derived vitamin D3 is structurally identical to the type that humans produce, meaning your body can use it without extra effort. Studies suggest that it boosts blood levels of vitamin D as effectively as lanolin-based D3, giving consumers a potent choice without compromising their values. Sustainability meets consistency Lichen thrives in diverse climates and requires minimal environmental intervention to harvest. This reduces the carbon footprint compared to livestock farming for lanolin, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Plus, controlled cultivation ensures a steady, reliable supply of high-quality D3.

A market in motion: The bright future of plant-based supplements

Consumers aren’t the only ones driving change because even supplement companies are also shifting gears. Major brands now offer lichen-based vitamin D3, recognizing the growing demand for clean, plant-based products. This shift not only diversifies the market but also signals a broader industry commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing. (Related: Curcumin and resveratrol are two of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered.) While lichen’s adoption celebrates ethical wins, its benefits extend to health accessibility. Vitamin D deficiency affects over one billion people globally, putting them at risk for poor health. Lichen-based D3 makes it easier than ever for those adhering to plant-based diets to meet the recommended intake (600 - 800 IU daily for adults), closing a critical gap. As awareness of lifestyle-driven health expands, so does the potential for lichen-based D3 to dominate the market. Future advancements could see improved production methods, cost reductions and even new applications beyond supplements. The movement also signals a larger trend toward rethinking how humans source essential nutrients, prioritizing harmony between human health, animal rights and planetary well-being. Whether enjoying sunlight, fortified foods or a lichen-derived capsule, the message is clear: Everybody deserves to feel the sunshine vitamin’s benefits, ethically sourced and ready to brighten health, one supplement at a time.

Where to get a lab-verified Vitamin D3 and K2 tincture

The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you find a lab-verified and organic supplement that supports optimal well-being. That’s why we’re offering you clean, lab-verified and healthy food options such as Groovy Bee® Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 Tincture (Formulated with MenaQ7). Groovy Bee® Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 Tincture stands out because it uses vitamin D3 sourced from lichen and not lanolin, making it uniquely plant-based and ideal for vegans. Vitamin D3 is also paired with MenaQ7 (MK-7), the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2, to ensure calcium is directed to the bones instead of the arteries. We've also included a trace mineral blend sourced from Utah's ancient inland sea water to help enhance nutrient synergy, as well as vitamin E (as alpha-TS) to help stabilize the formula for maximum absorption and shelf life. Specially formulated to support good overall health, Groovy Bee® Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 Tincture provides the combined benefits of vitamins D3 + K2 in a highly bioavailable format. It uses vegetable glycerin and purified water to help retain maximum potency. Our Groovy Bee® Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 Tincture is non-GMO, plant-based and certified organic. It is also lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.   Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more supplements that can help support your overall well-being. You can also browse articles on SupplementsReport.com to learn more about other lab-verified supplies for your daily needs. Click on this link to find out why cucurmin and resveratrol are two of the most powerful antioxidants in the human diet. Watch this clip about vitamin C, another game-changer for your health. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

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