Momentous Multivitamin is not considered vegan because it contains ingredients derived from animal sources. Specifically, the use of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is often derived from lanolin, which is a substance obtained from sheep's wool. Below is a breakdown of why lanolin is so effective:
What is Lanolin?
- Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It helps protect the sheep's wool and skin from harsh weather and other environmental factors.
Vitamin D and Its Importance
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting the immune system, brain, and nervous system, and regulating insulin levels, among other functions. There are two main types of vitamin D:
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): Plant-based (typically comes from mushrooms), effective but less potent and shorter duration in the body.
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): What Momentous uses, a more potent and preferred form for maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in the body.
How Lanolin Becomes Vitamin D3
- 7-Dehydrocholesterol: Lanolin contains a compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol.
- UV Exposure: When this compound is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, it undergoes a chemical reaction.
- Conversion to Vitamin D3: This reaction converts 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D3.
Why Lanolin?
- Natural Source: Lanolin provides a natural and effective source of 7-dehydrocholesterol.
- Ease of Conversion: The conversion process from lanolin to Vitamin D3 is both simple and effective.
- Sustainable: Sheep are shorn regularly, and lanolin is a byproduct of this making it a sustainable source of Vitamin D3.
Benefits of Lanolin-Derived Vitamin D3
- Highly Absorbable: Vitamin D3 from lanolin is highly absorbable by the human body.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: While not vegan, lanolin-derived vitamin D3 is suitable for vegetarians who consume animal byproducts.