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Vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan)

Vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) suppliers and sourcing guide

Lichen vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol extracted from lichen rather than made from 7-dehydrocholesterol in sheep's wool lanolin, the usual commercial source. Suppliers extract the lichen, concentrate the vitamin D3 and dilute it to a stated strength in oil or onto a powder carrier. Brands buy it for products sold as vegan, and the source claim rests on supplier documentation since the molecule is the same as other vitamin D3.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Cholecalciferol (lichen-derived) · Vegan vitamin D3 · Plant-based vitamin D3
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan)

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Oil concentrate

    Vitamin D3 in a vegetable oil such as MCT, olive or sunflower oil at a stated IU per gram, for softgels and liquid drops.

  • Powder

    Vitamin D3 on a starch, gum acacia or other plant-based carrier at a stated IU per gram, for tablets and capsules.

  • Vegan or organic certified

    Grades with third-party vegan or organic certification and the carrier and stabilizer listed.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Vitamin D3 assay
Cholecalciferol content by HPLC, reported in IU or micrograms per gram.
Identity
HPLC retention time against a cholecalciferol reference standard, distinguishing it from vitamin D2.
Peroxide value
For oil concentrates, a check on oxidation of the carrier oil.
Source documentation
A statement of lichen origin and the absence of animal-derived materials, which the COA alone cannot prove.
Heavy metals and microbiology
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, plus total plate count, yeast and mold.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Vitamin D3 is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen, so keep it in sealed, light-proof containers, cool and under nitrogen once opened if the supplier recommends it. Oils should be mixed before sampling. Shelf life is set by the supplier's stability data, and older stock is retested by HPLC.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the IU-per-gram assay and carrier for each lot and keep the supplier's lichen-source and vegan statements on file. Rotate first-expired, first-out and recheck assay on stock that has been opened.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as a Schedule 1 vitamin and notes that oral dosage forms with more than 62.5 mcg or 2,500 IU of vitamin D per dosage form fall under the Prescription Drug List.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) among the source ingredients for vitamin D (Table 1).

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for vitamin D at 20 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older, and the amount may also be declared in international units (IU).

    Source: ecfr.gov (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.

Vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) can brands buy?

Common forms include oil concentrate, powder and vegan or organic certified. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) include?

Expect vitamin D3 assay, identity, peroxide value, source documentation and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan) be stored?

Vitamin D3 is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen, so keep it in sealed, light-proof containers, cool and under nitrogen once opened if the supplier recommends it. Oils should be mixed before sampling. Shelf life is set by the supplier's stability data, and older stock is retested by HPLC.

What is the regulatory status of vitamin D3 (lichen, vegan)?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as a Schedule 1 vitamin and notes that oral dosage forms with more than 62.5 mcg or 2,500 IU of vitamin D per dosage form fall under the Prescription Drug List. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph for natural health products lists cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) among the source ingredients for vitamin D (Table 1). 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) sets the Reference Daily Intake for vitamin D at 20 mcg for adults and children 4 years and older, and the amount may also be declared in international units (IU).

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