The Vegan Wellness guide to Vitamin D "The Sunshine Vitamin"

Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" and for very good reason!

It plays a crucial role in bone and muscle health, immune function, mood regulation and more. But if you're following a plant-based lifestyle, getting enough vitamin D can be a bit more challenging.

In this post, we’ll dive in to:

• Why vitamin D matters
• Signs of deficiency
• The difference between D2 and D3
• Vegan sources of vitamin D
• Everything you need to know about lichen-based vegan D3

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Why Is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your overall health. It helps your body absorb calcium effectively, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Without enough vitamin D, even a calcium-rich diet isn’t fully effective. Beyond bone health, vitamin D also supports a healthy immune system, helping your body defend itself against infections. It contributes to positive mood regulation and may play a part in reducing the risk of certain chronic conditions, including osteoporosis and some autoimmune disorders.

Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to direct sunlight, making sunshine one of the most efficient sources. However, many people don’t get enough exposure due to indoor lifestyles, sunscreen use or limited time outside. Seasonal changes also play a major role, especially during autumn and winter when sunlight hours decrease, and the sun’s angle becomes too weak in many regions to trigger sufficient vitamin D production.

This makes low vitamin D levels especially common in colder climates, highlighting the vital importance of getting vitamin D from diet or supplements during the darker months.

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Low levels of vitamin D can lead to:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Bone pain or muscle weakness
• Depression or mood changes
• Frequent colds or illness
• Slow wound healing

If you’re experiencing any of these, it may be time to check your vitamin D levels.

D2 vs D3: What’s the Difference?

There are two main forms of vitamin D:

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) - Found in some plants and fungi
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) - Typically found in animal products, although amazingly now also available from lichen and far more effective at raising blood vitamin D levels.

D3 is more potent and longer-lasting in the body compared to D2. That’s why D3 is often the preferred choice for supplementation.

So how do vegans get D3? That’s where lichen comes in.

Lichen: A Vegan Source of Vitamin D3 🌿

Lichen is a unique plant-like organism that grows in harsh environments and it happens to be one of the only known vegan source of vitamin D3.
Lichen-based D3 is:

• 100% plant-based
• Sustainably harvested
• Bioavailable and effective
• Free from animal ingredients or by-products

More and more vegan-friendly supplements now use lichen-derived D3, making it easier than ever to meet your needs without compromising your values.

Vegan Sources of Vitamin D

While natural food sources are limited, here are a few ways you can get vitamin D whilst following a plant-based diet:

🌞 Sunlight

• Aim for 10–30 minutes of sun exposure, several times a week (take care to always protect your skin with a SPF sunscreen and spend time in the sun responsibly)
• Skin tone, location and even the season can all affect how much vitamin D your body will make.

🥣 Fortified Foods

• Plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat)
• Breakfast cereals
• Tofu and orange juice (check the labels for products fortified with Vit D)

💊 Vegan Supplements

• Choose lichen-based vitamin D3 for the best results.
• The UK government recommends that all adults supplement with Vitamin D3 in the Autumn and Winter months from October to March.

Get Your Daily Dose: High-Strength Vegan Vitamin D3

Looking for a reliable vegan-friendly supplement? Our High Strength 1000 IU Vegan Vitamin D3 is made from sustainably sourced lichen and it's 100% plant-based, effective and easy to absorb.

👉 Shop our 1000 IU Vegan Vitamin D3 now and support your immunity, bones and overall wellness the plant-based way.

Perfect for autumn, winter and year-round wellness.

Final Thoughts: Are You Getting Enough?

If you're following a plant-based diet and unsure about your vitamin D intake, you're not alone. With limited plant-based food sources and much less sun exposure in the colder months, deficiency can be very common.

The good news? With a combination of mindful sun exposure, fortified foods and lichen-based D3 supplements, you can stay healthy, energised and true to your values.

Stay well, stay plant-powered and soak up the sunshine - or supplement wisely when needed. 🌿

This article is for information only and should not replace professional medical care. 

If you have a health condition, or are taking any medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any food supplements.

Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always check the ingredients for allergens if you have any food allergies or intolerances.