Numerous clinical studies suggest that increased vitamin D levels improve health and immunity, contributing to strong bones and the absorption of some minerals. However, unfortunately for vegans and vegetarians, most vitamin D products in the marketplace are animal sourced with the vitamin D coming from sheep lanolin or fish oil. In response to vegetarians’ and vegans’ special dietary needs, Kirkman® is now offering a natural form of vitamin D that is sourced from 100% whole organic mushrooms. These mushrooms, which are grown and manufactured in the United States, are certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers.
When the mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet light, they produce their own form of vitamin D called vitamin D-2. The vitamin D-2 in this product is converted in the liver and kidneys into the useable form of vitamin D-2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ensuring the same absorption and bioavailability as forms of vitamin D-3. Vitamin D in a whole food matrix (as is the case with this supplement) is more bioavailable than vitamin D supplements that are not in a whole food matrix. Though not actually claimed quantitatively by the mushroom supplier, this mushroom product also contains the following naturally occurring nutrients present in mushrooms:
• ergosterol;
• beta-glucans;
• chitin-glucan;
• glucosamine;
• chitin;
• vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, B-12, vitamin C;
• calcium, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, magnesium, manganese,
molybdenum, selenium and zinc;
• flavanoids and lignans.
This vitamin D formulation can be safely dosed with multiple capsules to attain the vitamin D levels that are suggested by your health care professional. It is a very good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked at regular intervals by a clinical laboratory to first get a baseline level, and ultimately to set the proper maintenance dose to be taken once the desired level is reached.