Why Cholecalciferol from Lichen Whole Plant ? (Vitamin D3)

The choice between Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) from lichen whole plant and the common form sourced from lanolin or fish liver oil is still a topic of debate.

But it's no debate for us. At HCF® we use Cholecalciferol sourced from lichen whole plant. While seemingly straightforward, this decision is a bold stance against the tide of cheap, common forms of Cholecalciferol derived from lanolin (sourced from sheep's wool). We wanted a safer, animal-free, eco-friendly, sustainable, and cleaner alternative.

The market, as it stands, is dominated by lanolin-sourced Vitamin D3 and mushroom-sourced Vitamin D2.

The reason? Cost. Not to mention that the overly-used lanolin can have some drawbacks. In fact, many already prefer alternatives to lanolin-based products that can significantly vary in quality, are unsuitable for those with wool allergies, and are not a viable choice for people embracing a vegan lifestyle, either.¹

But why lichen?

Lichen is a unique, tiny composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of fungi in a symbiotic relationship.

It thrives in harsh conditions, from arctic tundra to desert heat, making it a reliable, year-round source of Vitamin D3, with no harmful impact on the environment.

And unlike its counterparts—lanolin and fish liver oil—lichen is a clean and sustainable source of Cholecalciferol.*

Because it grows in a pesticide-free environment, it also resonates with the growing number of consumers becoming increasingly conscious of what they put into their bodies.

This clean and sustainable sourcing has led to a high acceptance level of vegan Vitamin D3, a direction that HCF® is proud to be a part of.

Vitamin D3 is more effective at improving Vitamin D status.*

So, why choose Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) over Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)? Well, the answer lies in the body's response to these two forms of Vitamin D.*

Vitamin D3 is the form that the body produces when exposed to sunlight and has a higher bioavailability than Vitamin D2.² This means that your body uses it more efficiently.*

(!) Not to mention that a large percentage of Vitamin D2 available on the market is sourced from fresh or dried cultivated mushrooms irradiated with ultraviolet rays, a huge no-no to many consumers.^3,4

The best ways to source Vitamin D3 naturally include sunlight (it's not called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ for no reason) and food sources such as fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks. However, studies show that Americans fail to consume enough of this important nutrient.*

According to Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, many Americans might not get sufficient Vitamin D from food sources:*⁵

"When we practice 'food first' for Vitamin D, the majority of Americans over the age of 2 fail to consume just 400 I.U. of Vitamin D per day from naturally occurring Vitamin D food sources. You can't eat your way to daily Vitamin D sufficiency."*

With the modern lifestyle leading to decreased sun exposure, Vitamin D3 deficiency has become quite common.*

This is where our HCF® advanced nootropics may come in. Our nootropics offer Cholecalciferol sourced from lichen whole plant as a dietary supplement option, helping to bridge the gap and combat Vitamin D deficiency.*

In the end, it's about making choices that support not only our health but the health of the planet. And that's why HCF® opted for a more natural and sustainable approach.*