The Benefits of Plant-Based vs. Animal Vitamin D3
HOW TO NATURALLY OBTAIN VITAMIN D3
Vitamin D is essential for proper absorption of calcium and phosphates. It has many amazing functions and helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, heart, lung and brain functions. Pretty important!
When we are exposed to sunlight, D3 is the form that is naturally produced in our skin. D3 supplements have traditionally been non-vegan, usually they are created from lanolin, a product of sheep’s wool. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is the synthetic form of vitamin D present in many supplements and also the form made by yeast and fungi.
More recently it was found that a microorganism (lichen) produces D3, which has led to vegan D3 supplements entering the marketplace.
Vitamin D2 vs. Vitamin D3
Currently, the only other vegetarian alternative to vegetarian vitamin D3 is vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). There are two issues with this kind of source:
- It's often sourced from soy, which is undesirable for many people
- Vitamin D2 is not as well-absorbed as vitamin D3
Origins of Vitamin D3 Supplements
Most supplements for vitamin D3 aren’t vegan and vegetarian friendly. Why? It’s to do with the source of Vitamin D3 in supplements. Vitamin D supplements developed for those on a plant-origin diet have traditionally been with plant-based vitamin D2, which we know isn’t as good as D3.
There have traditionally been two main sources where Vitamin D3 is derived from for supplements:
- Fish oils
- Lanolin - a waxy substance in sheep's wool
We didn’t like the idea of deriving vitamin D3 from lanolin. We wanted an animal-free, sustainable, eco-friendly, cleaner source. That’s when we discovered lichen, a plant-based source of vitamin D3 that is vegan and vegetarian friendly vitamin D3.
Which is better?
Because it comes from a plant source, it is arguably a purer source. It is easy to grow and naturally occurs in large quantities, so it isn’t having a negative effect on the environment, making it a great environmentally conscious choice. It is also organic and 100 % natural.
Matter's Plant Based D3 contain contains 75 mcg(3000 IU) combined with cold-pressed avocado powder. Its delivered in a small, easy-to-swallow capsule.
Check it out!
