Vitamin D3 & Your Brain

Did you know that Vitamin D is actually a hormone? It's true! And, according to science, it may be one of your body's most important hormones and nutrients for your cognitive health.*

→ This is why HCF® advanced nootropics integrate it into their formulations.

But it's not just any Vitamin D3. Our lichen-sourced Vitamin D3 is vegan-friendly and sustainable. This is a significant step up from the common, much cheaper form of Cholecalciferol derived from lanolin (sourced from sheep's wool).*

Here's what you need to know:

Why all this emphasis on Vitamin D3?

What makes Vitamin D3 stand out from other D vitamins, like Vitamin D2? Well, the answer lies in its two properties that are so important to how we build our nootropics: absorption and effectiveness.*

According to research, both Vitamin D2 and D3 are well-absorbed in the gut. Still, ongoing research shows that D3 can increase Vitamin D levels in the blood more effectively. It's a defining quality that, for us, makes it a better choice over Vitamin D2.*¹

Now, sourcing can also be important. And, until recent years, Vitamin D3 was primarily obtained from animal sources, making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians.

However, opting for lichen-sourced Vitamin D3, HCF® can effectively offer a vegan-friendly alternative of this essential neuro-nutrient.*

Your brain system loves Vitamin D3!*

Research links Vitamin D to many health benefits, including proper function for all your three brains (head, heart, gut).*

Take neurodevelopment—the process by which your head-brain matures and develops. Vitamin D3 can act as a 'fertilizer' for your Head [1st Brain]. It helps the neurons grow and connect.*²

But it's also about protection. Neuroprotection, to be precise. Vitamin D3 can help shield and protect your head-brain. It helps protect it against oxidative damage and keeps the neurons healthy and functioning.*³

And then there's the mood. Ever notice how you feel better when the sun is shining? That's the Vitamin D3 at work. It may regulate mood and keep the blues at bay.*

"Vitamin D3 is involved in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is important for mood regulation," says Sam Schleiger, a functional medicine dietitian and founder of Simply Nourished, a nutrition practice in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. "Adequate Vitamin D3 levels may help improve mood and overall mental wellbeing."* 

Interestingly, a comprehensive review of 25 different studies concluded that Vitamin D supplementation could reduce negative emotions, especially for people with severe mood challenges or a Vitamin D deficiency.⁴ Further research indicates that low Vitamin D levels could be linked with increased symptoms of sadness and tension.*⁵

Am I getting enough Vitamin D3?

Afraid you're not getting enough Vitamin D3? Well, there is one reliable way of getting some of this essential neuro-nutrient: the sun.

Your body can naturally produce Vitamin D3 through exposure to sunlight. It's a beautiful process, really. When the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit our skin, it triggers the conversion of a type of cholesterol in our skin into Vitamin D3.

On top of that, Vitamin D3 can also be found in certain foods:

But here's the kicker: Many may not get sufficient Vitamin D3 from sunlight and diet alone.

It's a common problem.

Despite all these natural sources, Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common.*

Many factors can contribute to this deficiency.⁶ Living in a polluted area, for example. The pollutants can absorb UVB rays, reducing your potential to produce Vitamin D3. Sunscreen, while necessary for skin protection, can also block UVB rays.

Lifestyle factors also play a part. For example, you're likely not getting enough sun exposure to produce sufficient Vitamin D3 if you spend most of your time indoors. Living in a big city where buildings block sunlight can have a similar effect.*

People with darker skin are also at risk of developing a deficiency since their skin's higher melanin levels can decrease their ability to produce enough Vitamin D3.*

And while we can't always control our sun exposure or eat enough Vitamin D-rich foods, we can certainly take action to supplement our intake.*

That's where HCF®’s advanced nootropics comes in. Our products can help fill the gap and feed & nourish not just your Mental Intelligence Center (the head-brain) but also your Emotional Intelligence Center (the heart-brain) & your Physical Intelligence Center (the gut-brain).*