Vitashine™ is a special oily extract of Lichen, which is naturally rich in Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) and fatty acids.
The wonderful world of lichens
Lichens are small unique plant species consisting of a symbiotic association of a fungus with an algae. This gives them unique attributes such as surviving in extreme climates and having the ability to grow and accumulate meaningful levels of useful nutrients, including Cholecalciferol. Having done our research into natural and sustainable sources of lichen, we have selected Vitashine for inclusion in our IMUNI Immune Defence formula.
Vitashine™: the world’s only Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society registered Vitamin D3
Until Vitashine™ ingredients were launched, the only Vegan and Vegetarian source of Vitamin D was the inferior analogue of Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2).
Vitashine™ ingredients are registered with the Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society and we are very proud to display their logos.
Vitashine™: Research & Development
Vitashine™ ingredients are the result of an extensive research project, investigating a large number of lichens grown at different locations all over the world. Vitashine™ has collaborated with the University of Stirling to identify and characterise a large number of candidates, and continue to work with these expert laboratories to evaluate Vitashine ingredients.
Plant Source Vitamin D3
Vitashine™ uses lichen, not sheep’s wool!
- No sheep (or their wool) required.
- Plant-sourced.
What is Vitamin D3?
- Vitamin D3 is a fat Soluble vitamin, discovered over 100 years ago.
- Vitamin D is essential for good health and has been associated with many health benefits.
- Vitamin D is absorbed from the diet or can be produced in the skin as vitamin D3 when exposed to sufficient sunlight.
Who benefits from taking Vitamin D3?
- Everybody irrespective of age, gender or lifestyle needs vitamin D for good health.
- Studies have shown over 50% of the general population are deficient in Vitamin D, it can be even higher in specific demographic groups.
Vitamin D Levels and Sunlight
- To produce Vitamin D3 in the skin, it is necessary to expose the skin to sunlight.
- Individuals with darker skin or those living at higher latitudes where sunlight intensity is low do not get sufficient sun exposure.
- Without adequate sunlight exposure, supplementation may be required to increase vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D & Darker Skin Tones
- Darker skin tones such as Asian and Africans naturally filter ultraviolet rays from sunlight, however this also reduces the ability to synthesise vitamin D3 in the skin.
- Religious and lifestyle clothing which covers much of the skin reduces light exposure further.
Vitashine™: Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing
A key part of Vitashine's™ research was to ensure responsible and sustainable growth. Lichens grow incredibly slowly so they needed to consider scalability and feasibility.
The lichen used in Vitashine™ has existing and ongoing use for a variety of applications including foods, drinks and decorations. As a result Vitashine™ has been able to secure and manage a suitable source to ensure sustainability as well as quality and purity.
- No pesticides.
- Organic growing conditions.
- Sustainable growing sites.
Vitashine™ Certification & Accreditation
Vitashine™ is registered and certified by a variety of different bodies and organisations:
Source: www.vegetology.com