Vegan Vitamin D

A unique, vegan-friendly vitamin D3 with an enhanced bioavailability when compared to vitamin D2. This vegan, vitamin D3 is sourced from non-GMO algae and has undergone testing to show it is chemically identical to vitamin D3 derived from animal products.

Vitamin D, affectionately called the sunshine vitamin, can be synthesised in the skin through UV exposure and is essential in various systems within the body, from bone health to immune function and mood regulation. It plays an important part in building strong bones due to its role in calcium absorption. Research shows that bone health is greatly improved in those who consume vitamin D daily. Without it, our bones can become thin and weak which increases the risk of breaks or fractures.

Vitamin D has also been linked to improved immune function. Alongside having anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, a main function of vitamin D is to help activate T cells, also known as killer cells, so that they can detect and destroy foreign pathogens that may enter our bodies. Supplementing with vitamin D has been linked to an improvement in immunity for illnesses such as influenza, tuberculosis and upper respiratory tract infections. An adequate vitamin D status is also associated with reduced severity of clinical symptoms and outcomes from COVID-19.

Vitamin D also plays an important role in mood regulation. Studies have found an association between low levels of vitamin D and the presence and severity of depressive disorders. Supplementing with vitamin D has been researched to help lessen the symptoms of depression, anxiety and mental health outcomes.

Natural vitamin D can be consumed in two different forms, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Research shows that vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is more potent than vitamin D2 and is more effective in raising the levels of active vitamin D that can be utilised by the body. Most sources of dietary vitamin D3 come from animal foods, such as fatty fish, beef liver and egg yolks. Diets low in vitamin D3 are therefore more common for those who avoid animal foods such as vegetarians and vegans. Furthermore, vitamin D consumption is often low, especially during winter seasons where sunlight exposure is minimal.

The New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey found that 27% of adults have some form of vitamin D deficiency with levels below the recommended amounts. While vegan-friendly vitamin D supplements traditionally only contain vitamin D2, Two Islands Protein Super Blend contains a vegan source of vitamin D3, with one serve containing 500% of your recommended daily intake.