CHOLECALCIFEROL FROM LICHEN

CHOLÉCALCIFÉROL FROM LICHEN

BONE HEALTH  |  IMMUNITY  |  HORMONAL BALANCE

Cholecalciferol, commonly known as vitamin D3, is the most bioavailable and effective form of vitamin D. Long available only from animal sources (sheep's wool lanolin, cod liver oil), there is now a 100% plant-based and certified vegan source: lichen, a remarkable symbiotic organism capable of naturally synthesizing cholecalciferol under the action of solar radiation.

For women following a vegan, vegetarian, or simply conscious of the origin of their supplements, cholecalciferol from lichen represents a significant advancement: the same molecule, the same biological efficacy, an entirely plant-based origin. In a context where vitamin D deficiency affects a large proportion of the European population - estimated at 40-50% depending on studies - this active ingredient is one of the most strategic to integrate into a holistic approach to women's micronutrition.

What is cholecalciferol from lichen? Definition and origin

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, C₂₇H₄₄O) is a secosteroid - a molecule with a structure similar to steroids, biosynthesized in human skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the action of UVB radiation. It is the form naturally produced by the human body and the main circulating form of vitamin D after sun exposure.

Lichen is a composite organism resulting from the symbiosis of a fungus (mycobiont) and an alga or cyanobacterium (photobiont). Certain species of lichen - notably Cladonia arbuscula, Cladonia rangiferina, and Parmelia sulcata - are capable of synthesizing cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in response to UV radiation exposure, a rare and valuable biochemical mechanism in the plant kingdom.

This discovery, confirmed and valued in biotechnology over the last decade, has enabled the development of extraction and standardization processes for cholecalciferol from lichen, producing a vitamin D3 chemically identical to that of animal origin, certified vegan, and exhibiting the same bioavailability and biological activity.

In production, lichen species are cultivated or harvested sustainably, then subjected to a lipid extraction and purification process to obtain an active cholecalciferol-standardized extract. The most documented reference commercial brand is Vitashine® (Cladonia arbuscula lichen), whose bioavailability has been validated by comparative pharmacokinetic studies.

Lichen cholecalciferol vs other sources: understanding the differences

Lichen cholecalciferol (plant-based D3)

• 100% plant-based origin, certified vegan
• Molecule identical to animal D3
• Same bioavailability as lanolin D3
• Suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
• Standardized extracts available (Vitashine®)
• Sustainable and traceable production

Lanolin cholecalciferol (animal D3):

• Animal origin (sheep's wool)
• Most common and least expensive form
• Reference bioavailability
• Not suitable for strict vegans
• Very well documented clinically
• Suitable for non-strict vegetarians

Ergocalciferol (plant-based D2):

• Plant origin (yeast, fungi)
• Certified vegan
• 2 to 3 times less effective than D3
• Less stable elevation of 25(OH)D
• Less recommended for correcting a deficiency

Calcifediol (25-OH-D3):

• Pre-activated form (already hydroxylated)
• Very rapid elevation of 25(OH)D
• Reserved for clinical cases (malabsorption)
• Used under medical supervision

What are the benefits of cholecalciferol from lichen?

Bone health and calcium absorption

Vitamin D3 is essential for the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus - without it, only 10 to 15% of ingested calcium is absorbed. It stimulates the expression of calcium transport proteins in the enterocyte (calbindin) and regulates renal calcium reabsorption. Its role in maintaining normal bone structure is one of the most scientifically substantiated nutritional claims recognized by EFSA.

In perimenopause and postmenopause, where bone loss accelerates due to declining estrogen levels, optimal vitamin D3 status is a preventive priority. The combination of cholecalciferol + calcium + vitamin K2 MK-7 constitutes the reference triad for complete and safe bone support.

Hormonal regulation and cycle balance

Vitamin D3 is actually a prohormone - its active form, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), binds to nuclear receptors (VDR, Vitamin D Receptor) present in almost all tissues, including the ovaries, uterus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. This hormonal mechanism of action explains its documented role in regulating the menstrual cycle, follicular maturation, and progesterone synthesis.

Studies link vitamin D deficiency to an increased prevalence of PCOS, irregular cycles, and luteal insufficiency. Supplementation to achieve a serum 25(OH)D level ≥ 40-60 ng/mL is associated with an improvement in these parameters in several clinical studies.

Immunity and anti-infective protection

Calcitriol modulates innate and adaptive immune responses: it stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides (defensins, cathelicidins), regulates T lymphocyte differentiation, and modulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Optimal vitamin D3 status is associated with a reduction in the frequency and severity of respiratory infections (Martineau et al., BMJ 2017 meta-analysis, involving 11,321 participants).

Mood, energy, and mental health

VDR receptors are present in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the brain. Vitamin D3 modulates the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, which explains its documented link to mood and seasonal depression. Epidemiological studies associate low 25(OH)D levels with an increased risk of depression - a link particularly relevant in perimenopause, a period of increased emotional vulnerability.

Muscle health and fall prevention

VDR receptors are also present in skeletal muscle cells. Vitamin D3 contributes to normal muscle function (EFSA claim), supporting muscle strength and neuromuscular coordination. In postmenopausal women, optimal vitamin D status is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of falls and fractures.

Usage recommendations for cholecalciferol from lichen

Oral supplementation

Reference nutrient intakes (NRIs) are set at 600 IU (15 µg)/day for adults and 800 IU (20 µg)/day for people over 70 (EFSA). In micronutritional practice, commonly used functional doses are higher:

• 800 to 1,000 IU/day: maintenance for a person without documented deficiency
• 1,500 to 2,000 IU/day: support in perimenopause, PCOS, or limited sun exposure
• 2,000 to 4,000 IU/day: correction of documented insufficiency (25(OH)D between 20 and 30 ng/mL)
• Beyond 4,000 IU/day: reserved for supervised medical use, based on serum measurement

As cholecalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin, taking it with a meal containing lipids significantly improves its absorption. Daily intake is preferable to weekly or monthly mega-doses to maintain stable serum levels.

⚠️ As cholecalciferol is fat-soluble, it accumulates in adipose tissues. Prolonged overdose (> 10,000 IU/day for several months) can lead to hypervitaminosis D and hypercalcemia. Follow recommended doses and perform a serum 25(OH)D measurement before and during high-dose supplementation.

Precautions for use

• Fat-solubility and accumulation: unlike water-soluble vitamins, vitamin D3 accumulates in fats. Chronic excessive intake can lead to toxicity - monitor total intake (food + supplementation + sun exposure).
• Hypercalcemia: in case of overdose, vitamin D3 can lead to hypercalcemia (nausea, fatigue, confusion, calcifications). The upper safe limit is set at 4,000 IU/day by EFSA for unsupervised use.
• Drug interactions: vitamin D3 can interact with corticosteroids (reduced calcium absorption), thiazide diuretics (risk of hypercalcemia), digitalis, and certain antiepileptics that accelerate its catabolism. Consult a professional in case of chronic treatment.
• Granulomatous diseases: sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and certain lymphomas can produce calcitriol autonomously - vitamin D3 supplementation is contraindicated or very closely monitored in these contexts.
• Renal insufficiency: the conversion of vitamin D3 to calcitriol occurs in the kidneys. In case of chronic renal insufficiency, supplementation must be medically supervised.

⚠️ Pregnant women have increased vitamin D3 requirements (600-800 IU/day minimum according to recommendations). Supplementation is generally recommended, but high doses should be medically advised. The lichen form is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at nutritional doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vitamin D3 from lichen as effective as D3 of animal origin?

Yes. Cholecalciferol from lichen is chemically identical to cholecalciferol of animal origin (lanolin). Comparative pharmacokinetic studies, including those conducted on Vitashine® extract, confirm equivalent bioavailability and elevation of serum 25(OH)D. The difference is only in the origin, not in molecular efficacy. This is why it is the reference form of D3 for vegan formulas.

What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is of non-animal origin (yeast, fungi) and certified vegan, but significantly less effective than D3 in raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels. Meta-analyses estimate that D3 is 2 to 3 times more effective at equivalent doses. Lichen cholecalciferol offers the best of both: the non-animal origin of D2 with the efficacy of D3.

How do you know if you are vitamin D deficient?

The only reliable way is a blood test for 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), reimbursed in France with a medical prescription. The reference thresholds generally used are: insufficiency between 20 and 30 ng/mL, deficiency below 20 ng/mL, optimal level between 40 and 60 ng/mL. Symptoms of a deficiency can include chronic fatigue, muscle pain, frequent infections, low mood, and bone pain - but these signs are non-specific.

Is vitamin D3 relevant in perimenopause?

Particularly. In perimenopause, declining estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, immune vulnerability increases, and mood swings intensify - three areas where vitamin D3 plays a documented role. Its prohormonal action via VDR receptors makes it an essential foundational active ingredient for supporting this hormonal transition with greater serenity and long-term protection.

Sources

Tripkovic L et al. "Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2012.

Martineau AR et al. "Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections." BMJ, 2017.

Bikle DD. "Vitamin D metabolism, mechanism of action, and clinical applications." Chemistry & Biology, 2014.

Lerchbaum E, Obermayer-Pietsch B. "Vitamin D and fertility: a systematic review." European Journal of Endocrinology, 2012.

Gröber U et al. "Vitamin K: An Old Vitamin in a New Perspective." Dermato-Endocrinology, 2014.

EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products. "Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Vitamin D." EFSA Journal, 2016.