Our Wholefood Vitamin D3 supplement from __lichen__ is __ideal for vegetarians and vegans__. Many supplements use animal sources of vitamin D3 (e.g. sheep’s wool), however Cytoplan Wholefood Vitamin D3 comprises a natural plant base of lichen. - A vegan, Wholefood plant base from vitamin D3-rich lichen extract providing 62.5µg (2,500iu) of vitamin D per tablet - Vitamin D is frequently referred to as the Sunshine Vitamin\" as sunlight is necessary for the synthesis of this vitamin (which is produced underneath the skin following exposure to sunlight) - Those at particular risk for vitamin D deficiency are the elderly (65 years+), those who rarely get outdoors (lack of sunshine) and people with dark skin. (Children under five are also at risk and for this age group we have a liquid vitamin D3 product – code 3323) - Please note this supplement contains 62.5µg (2500iu) of vitamin D per tablet. If taking other supplements containing vitamin D, please check your total daily intake. If it is 125µg (5000iu) or more per day, for more than two to four months, you should have your vitamin D levels checked regularly. An adequate blood level is considered to be above 50nmol/litre; the scientific literature suggests that a higher level than this is optimal. However, levels above 250nmol/litre are not advised and in this case, measures should be taken to lower levels. Please note some laboratories use different units i.e. ng/ml rather than nmol/litre quoted here. In this case an adequate blood level is considered to be 20ng/ml (again the optimal range is higher than this). For more information on vitamin D you may be interested in www.grassrootshealth.net/ __Vitamin D contributes to__: - the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus - normal blood calcium levels - the maintenance of bones and teeth - the maintenance of normal muscle function - the normal function of the immune system - Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division - Vitamin D is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children - Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of falling associated with postural instability and muscle weakness. Falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women 60 years of age and older