Liposomal vitamin D3 (Lichen-Derived) 300,000 IU/g — High Bioavailability Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplement

Product Overview

liposomal Vitamin D3 (Lichen-Derived) 300,000 IU/g is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering cholecalciferol in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Cholecalciferol (CAS 67-97-0), also known as vitamin D3, colecalciferol, or calciol, is a fat-soluble secosteroid with the molecular formula C₂₇H₄₄O and a molecular weight of 384.64 g/mol. It is chemically designated as (3S,5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trien-3-ol. Cholecalciferol occurs as white to almost white crystals or crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%), and soluble in fatty oils.

Cholecalciferol is the form of vitamin D that is naturally synthesized in the skin of humans and animals upon exposure to UVB radiation from sunlight, and it is also obtained through dietary intake from animal sources such as fatty fish and egg yolks. This product is derived from lichen—specifically Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer lichen)—making it the only commercially available non-animal source of cholecalciferol. Lichen-derived vitamin D3 has the same molecular structure and conformation as cholecalciferol from animal sources, ensuring equivalent biological activity while meeting vegan, vegetarian, and halal dietary requirements.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional cholecalciferol presents significant formulation and bioavailability challenges. As a highly lipophilic molecule, D3 is commonly dosed in oils or solid dosage forms that can be poorly palatable, slow to absorb, or unstable in aqueous settings. Stability studies show rapid degradation of D3 in water under light/oxygen and at unfavorable pH or ionic strengths. Additionally, cholecalciferol absorption is dependent on bile salt-mediated micelle formation and is influenced by dietary fat intake, leading to variability in bioavailability.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Clinically Validated Enhanced Bioavailability — A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study enrolled 12 healthy adults (mean age 34.3 ± 9.7 years; BMI 24.8 ± 2.7 kg/m²) to compare the absorption of a liposomal vitamin D3 formulation with a conventional non-liposomal formulation. The liposomal formulation showed greater systemic absorption, with a 1.9-fold higher AUC (199 vs 106 ng·h/mL) and higher peak concentration (8.4 vs 6.0 ng/mL). Circulating cholecalciferol concentrations remained elevated above baseline at 48 hours in the liposomal formulation but returned to baseline in the comparator formulation.

2. Rapid Absorption in Deficiency States — A clinical experiment demonstrated for the first time that absorption of vitamin D3 in liposomes depends on vitamin D status, with liposomal vitamin D3 absorbed faster by persons with distinct deficiency. Liposomal vitamin D3 caused a rapid increase in the plasma concentration of calcidiol, an effect that was especially pronounced for people with severe vitamin D3 deficiency.

3. Superior Stability and Protection — Encapsulation of vitamin D3 in nanoliposomes protects the molecule from light, oxygen, and pH-induced degradation. Stability studies revealed a clear hierarchy of stabilizing effects, highlighting the combined protective role of the liposomal bilayer and a carefully balanced antioxidant environment. Encapsulation efficiencies approaching 99% are among the highest reported for liposomal vitamin D3 formulations, and the absence of significant change under accelerated conditions supports extrapolative reasoning toward a 24-month shelf-life.

4. Water-Dispersible and Clean-Label Compatible — The liposomal powder disperses readily in aqueous systems, forming a uniform dispersion suitable for functional beverages, sachets, and liquid formulations. The product is vegan, vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free, not irradiated, and free from Annex II allergens, supporting clean-label positioning.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to 300,000 IU/g of vitamin D3 activity, with assay of 97.0%–103.0% (HPLC) available and higher potencies up to 500,000 IU/g available upon request.

• Lichen-Derived and Vegan — Sourced from Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer lichen), making it genuinely vegan, free of animal derivatives, and suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and halal-certified product lines. Lichen-derived vitamin D3 has the same molecular structure and conformation as cholecalciferol from animal sources.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Liposomal encapsulation achieves 1.9-fold higher AUC and higher peak concentration compared to non-liposomal formulations in a randomized double-blind crossover clinical study, with sustained elevation above baseline at 48 hours.

• Encapsulation Efficiency Approaching 99% — Among the highest reported for liposomal vitamin D3 formulations, with a 24-month shelf-life supported by accelerated stability studies.

• Essential Bone Health Support — Vitamin D3 maintains normal calcium and phosphorus metabolism, promoting intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization to support musculoskeletal health.

• Immune Function Support — Vitamin D3 is essential for immune system regulation and supports the body‘s natural defense mechanisms.

• FDA GRAS Status — Lichen-derived vitamin D3 has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for use in dietary supplements and food fortification, providing a clear pathway for market entry.

• Not a Novel Food — Lichen-based vegan D3 has been on the market prior to 1997 and is not classified as novel under EU Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, providing a regulatory advantage for market entry in the European Union.

• Water-Dispersible — Liposomal powder offers excellent dispersibility in aqueous systems; suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, functional beverages, gummies, and chewables.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

Prophylaxis: For adults, the recommended prophylactic dose is 400–1,000 IU/day. For children and adults with reduced vitamin D availability (obesity, pigmented skin, lack of sun exposure) or reduced intake (vegan diet), 1,000–2,000 IU/day may be appropriate.

Deficiency Treatment: For the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, the recommended dose is 2,000–4,000 IU/day for 3–6 months. Alternatively, high-dose protocols may include 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks or a single dose of 200,000 IU.

Pregnancy and Lactation: For the treatment of deficiency in pregnant or breastfeeding women, doses up to 2,000 IU/day or a maximum of 4,000 IU/day are recommended.

Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability and protection from degradation.

Important Safety Information: Vitamin D3 is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D is 4,000 IU/day for adults, although higher doses may be used under medical supervision. Excessive intake of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which may result in nausea, vomiting, weakness, and renal complications. Individuals with hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, or severe renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional before use. Pregnant or lactating women and children should consult a healthcare professional before use. Vitamin D3 may interact with certain medications, including thiazide diuretics, cardiac glycosides, and corticosteroids.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.