Beyond Bones: Surprising Benefits of Calcium and Vitamin D3

For those following a vegan lifestyle, calcium and vitamin D3 play an even bigger role — impacting everything from your immune system to your heart and even your mood. Let’s explore why these two nutrients are more powerful together, and why they’re especially important for plant-based eaters.

We’ve all heard about vitamin D and immunity — but recent research has taken that connection to the next level. Studies from the Universities of Surrey and Brighton found that vitamin D3 (not D2) helps kickstart your body’s first line of defense against infections.

Here’s how:

Vitamin D3 boosts the activity of something called the type I interferon system — a key part of the immune system that helps fight off viruses and bacteria before they take hold.

“We’ve shown that vitamin D3 appears to stimulate a key part of the immune system that helps defend against bacteria and viruses,” says Professor Colin Smith, lead author of the study.

For vegans, this is big news. Most traditional vitamin D supplements contain vitamin D2, which is plant-based but less effective. New vegan-friendly options made from lichen offer D3 — and that’s the form your immune system really loves.

D3 vs. D2: What’s the Difference?

• Vitamin D2 comes from plants and fungi — great for staying vegan, but not as effective in the body.
  
  

• Vitamin D3 is more potent and longer-lasting in your system. Until recently, it was mostly animal-derived, but now there are high-quality vegan D3 supplements made from lichen.
  
  

If you’re plant-based and aiming to support your immune health, switching to a vegan D3 supplement could make all the difference.

Calcium and vitamin D3 don’t just protect your bones — they’re also team players when it comes to cardiovascular health. That’s right — they can help support healthy blood pressure and circulation, too.

Blood Pressure Benefits

Some studies suggest that calcium, especially when taken with vitamin D, can help regulate blood pressure. The combo supports healthy blood vessel function and helps manage the system in your body that controls blood pressure levels.

Since vegans often already enjoy lower blood pressure thanks to a plant-based diet, keeping calcium and vitamin D3 levels topped up adds even more protection.