Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is made commercially by exposing 7-dehydrocholesterol to ultraviolet light and then purifying the result. The 7-dehydrocholesterol is usually made from cholesterol isolated from lanolin, the grease in sheep's wool; vegan D3 instead starts from lichen. Because crystalline D3 is extremely potent and sensitive to light and oxygen, it is mostly sold diluted, either dissolved in a carrier oil or locked into spray-dried powders and beadlets with added stabilizers.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Pure D3 crystals used by premixers and manufacturers who dilute it themselves; handled under controlled conditions because of its potency.
D3 resin or crystals dissolved in a carrier such as corn, sunflower or MCT oil, stated in IU per gram; suited to softgels and liquid drops.
D3 dispersed in a protective matrix with stabilizers and a flow aid, commonly 100,000 IU/g, for tablets, capsules and dry blends.
Powder built to disperse in water for beverages and drink mixes.
Same molecule from different starting materials; vegan claims need lichen-sourced D3 and a carrier and coating free of animal-derived materials.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Vitamin D3 breaks down with light, heat and oxygen, so it is usually supplied in nitrogen-flushed, light-proof containers. Store unopened containers cool and dry, and use opened packs quickly or re-flush them with nitrogen. Oil forms are kept away from heat to limit oxidation of the carrier, and suppliers state a shelf life or retest date for each lot.
Potency (IU/g) is lot-specific, so formula input amounts should be calculated from each lot's assay, with an overage to cover loss through the finished product's shelf life. Track retest and expiry dates, use older lots first (FEFO), and keep lanolin-derived and vegan D3 as separate items so claims stay tied to the right source.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1950 affirms vitamin D as GRAS for specified food uses and describes crystalline D3 (cholecalciferol) and how it is made.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)In the EU, cholecalciferol is listed in Annex II to Directive 2002/46/EC (as replaced by Regulation (EC) No 1170/2009) as a vitamin D form for food supplements.
Source: eur-lex.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · City of Industry, CA
Sells it as VegD3
California ingredient supplier that sources branded and commodity ingredients for supplement and food makers, from amino acids and vitamins to magnesium L-threonate and a plant-based vitamin D3.
Manufacturer · Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
Global nutrition and beauty ingredients company that makes Quali-C vitamin C in Dalry, Scotland, and vitamin D3 in Sisseln, Switzerland, and sells cosmetic-grade niacinamide.
Manufacturer · Thane, India
Indian maker of vitamin D3 offering crystalline, oil, resin-in-oil and cold-water-dispersible forms for food, supplement and feed customers.
Manufacturer · Xiamen, China
Xiamen-based group that makes nutrition raw materials by fermentation and chemical synthesis, including coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D3. It also owns consumer supplement brands.
Manufacturer · Dongyang, China
Chinese producer working from lanolin cholesterol through to vitamin D3 crystals, oils and spray-dried powders.
Manufacturer
Sells it as COVITAS
Chinese producer of functional chemicals and nutrition ingredients that sells vitamin C and vitamin D3 under its COVITAS human-nutrition line.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline cholecalciferol, d3 in oil, spray-dried powder / beadlet, cold-water-dispersible (CWD/CWS) powder and lanolin-derived vs. lichen (vegan) D3. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), identity, related substances, peroxide value (oil forms), particle size and loss on drying (powders), heavy metals and microbiology and source documentation, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Vitamin D3 breaks down with light, heat and oxygen, so it is usually supplied in nitrogen-flushed, light-proof containers. Store unopened containers cool and dry, and use opened packs quickly or re-flush them with nitrogen. Oil forms are kept away from heat to limit oxidation of the carrier, and suppliers state a shelf life or retest date for each lot.
21 CFR 184.1950 affirms vitamin D as GRAS for specified food uses and describes crystalline D3 (cholecalciferol) and how it is made. In the EU, cholecalciferol is listed in Annex II to Directive 2002/46/EC (as replaced by Regulation (EC) No 1170/2009) as a vitamin D form for food supplements.
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