VITAMIN D3 EXTRACTED FROM BOREAL LICHEN

This leafy lichen belongs to the Pannariaceae family. Lichens are small, selected plant species that grow wild in Canada, Scandinavia, and Ireland. Although not threatened, this lichen is harvested seasonally to respect its growth. Due to its northern origin, where sunlight is scarce for part of the year, and its unique characteristics such as surviving in extreme climates, this lichen has developed the ability to produce the nutrients it needs to thrive, including high levels of vitamin D3. This lichen is one of the few non-animal sources that provides a very high intake of naturally occurring vitamin D3, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and an alternative to synthetic vitamin D3 or vitamin D3 derived from processed sheep's wool.

VIRGIN AVOCADO OIL

Botanical name: Persea americana.
The avocado is the fruit of the avocado tree, a member of the Lauraceae family, native to Mexico. Its pulp has a remarkably high oil content (5 to 30%). The cold-pressed oil is delicious, very fruity, and ranges in color from yellow to khaki green, a sign of high quality. It is also a source of nutrients in addition to vitamin D3.

OIL COMPONENTS

• Monounsaturated fatty acids (65%): omega 9 and omega 7.

• Unsaponifiables: vitamin E, carotenoids, phytosterols: sitosterol and campesterol.

Its exceptional content of unsaponifiable compounds—5% (compared to 1% at most for other oils)—gives this oil its nutritional value. Avocado oil is resistant to oxidation when extracted from high-quality fruit using cold centrifugation, as is the case here. Gentle processing results in an optimal vitamin E content, and the oil therefore has a long shelf life. Vitamin E is the natural antioxidant found in vegetable oils. The carotenoids in avocado oil are composed of 70% lutein. These valuable nutrients are an ideal complement to vitamin D3 for optimal preservation and proper absorption by the body.

The phytosterols in avocado oil are composed of approximately 90% sitosterol and 10% campesterol. One study demonstrated the benefit of concurrent intake of vitamin D3 and sitosterol, specifying that "sitosterol enhances the action of vitamin D3 on the immune function of macrophages, which could be beneficial in cases of vitamin D deficiency in individuals."(1)

(1) Alappat L1, Valerio M, Awad AB., Effect of vitamin D and D-sitosterol on the immune function of macrophages., Int Immunopharmacol. 2010.