Vitamin D3 (Lichen-Derived / Vegan D3)
Cholecalciferol (lichen-sourced)
Also known as: Vegan D3, Lichen cholecalciferol, Cladonia rangiferina D3, Plant-based D3, Lichen-based vitamin D3, Vegan cholecalciferol
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 2.5/10).
Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Hypervitaminosis D at chronic high doses (EFSA UL 4,000 IU/day adults); fat-soluble — accumulates; hypercalcaemia risk; thiazide diuretics interaction
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis D at chronic high doses (EFSA UL 4,000 IU/day adults); fat-soluble — accumulates; hypercalcaemia risk; thiazide diuretics interaction
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Lichen-derived Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is the ONLY certified vegan form of D3. Standard D3 in the majority of supplements is derived from lanolin (cholesterol from sheep’s wool — Ovis aries), which is animal-derived and unsuitable for vegans. Lichen species — primarily Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer lichen), Cladonia portentosa, and Usnea spp. — are known to biosynthesize cholecalciferol (not ergocalciferol/D2) in meaningful quantities; this is unique among plant/fungal sources. Lichen D3 is chemically identical to lanolin D3 — same molecule (cholecalciferol), same biological activity, same conversion to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the liver. Document explicitly in GIRI as “Lichen-derived Cholecalciferol (Vegan D3)” to distinguish from lanolin D3. Safety profile is identical to standard D3: fat-soluble, accumulates with excess intake; EFSA UL 100 µg/day (4,000 IU/day) for adults; hypervitaminosis D causes hypercalcaemia (nausea, polydipsia, polyuria, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, cardiac arrhythmia at severe levels). Toxicity arises from over-supplementation, not solar exposure. Take with fat-containing meal for optimal absorption. Monitor serum 25-OH-D3 annually in high-dose users. No drug interactions specific to lichen source; same interactions as standard D3 (mineral oil reduces absorption; corticosteroids impair metabolism; thiazide diuretics + D3 = hypercalcaemia risk). Frequently paired with Vitamin K2 (MK-7) for synergistic calcium direction to bone and away from arteries.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Cholecalciferol (lichen-sourced)
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Evidence unavailable.
No peer-reviewed studies with traceable links have been retrieved for this ingredient. Use the button below to fetch evidence from PubMed.
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Vitamin D3 (Lichen-Derived / Vegan D3). Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Vitamin D3 (Lichen-Derived / Vegan D3)
A score of 2.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.