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Rachel V Thomas

India Gets Its First Plant-Based Vitamin D3: What You Need to Know

India has approved its first plant-based <span>Vitamin D3</span> (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread <span>Vitamin D deficiency</span>. 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (<span>FSSAI</span>) has cleared <span>VITADEE Green</span>, developed by <span>Fermenta Biotech</span>,for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products. 

The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of <span>Vitamin D3</span>. 

<h2>Plant-Based <span rel="noindex">Vitamin</span> D3: Why The Approval Matters </h2>

The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements. 

It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from <span>lanolin</span>, a by-product of sheep's wool. 

The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap. 

Studies suggest a large proportion of Indians have inadequate Vitamin D levels despite abundant sunlight, largely due to urban lifestyles, limited outdoor exposure and reduced sun exposure. 

"Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly. The FSSAI approval allows us to bring VITADEE Green directly to Indian food fortification and nutraceutical manufacturers, helping bridge the nutrition gap for the country's large population," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech. 

For India's large vegetarian population, the approval also brings a domestically manufactured, regulatory-approved plant-source Vitamin D3 to the market. 

Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. 

It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness and falls. 

Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation. 

<h2>India Faces Widespread Vitamin D Deficiency </h2>

Despite abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is common across India. Experts attribute this to long hours spent indoors, limited outdoor activity, sunscreen use, ageing and diets naturally low in Vitamin D.

Low Vitamin D levels can lead to weak bones, muscle weakness and an increased risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can cause rickets, while inadequate levels have also been linked to poorer immune function. 

"Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director of Fermenta Biotech. 

<h2>Is Plant-based Vitamin D3 Better? </h2>

Doctors say no—not in terms of effectiveness. 

Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that current evidence shows plant-based Vitamin D3 raises Vitamin D levels just as effectively as conventional supplements. 

"Based on current science, plant-based Vitamin D3 is comparable to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For most people, it is a good alternative if they prefer a plant-based product," he said. 

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that plant-derived Vitamin D3—typically sourced from lichen, algae or newer fermentation technologies—offers an animal-free option without compromising efficacy. 

"It is good news for consumers who prefer vegan products, but both forms are equally effective. There is no medical reason for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3," he said in a post on X. 

<h2>Who Should Take Vitamin D3 Supplements? </h2>

The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived. 

"The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said. 

Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications. 

Doctors recommend that supplementation should be based on: 

<ul><li>Blood test results </li></ul><ul><li>Age </li></ul><ul><li>Existing medical conditions </li></ul><ul><li>Medical advice </li></ul>Lifestyle measures such as spending time outdoors, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active also play an important role in maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels. 

Health Conditions A-Z

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india-gets-its-first-plant-based-vitamin-d3-what-you-need-to-know

vitamin

vitamin d.

Vitamin D3

vitamin d deficiency

Plant Based Vitamin D3

fermenta biotech

vitadee green

lanolin

fssai

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India has approved its first plant-based Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread Vitamin D deficiency. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cleared VITADEE Green, developed by Fermenta Biotech,for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products. The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of Vitamin D3. Plant-Based Vitamin D3: Why The Approval Matters The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements. It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool. The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap. Studies suggest a large proportion of Indians have inadequate Vitamin D levels despite abundant sunlight, largely due to urban lifestyles, limited outdoor exposure and reduced sun exposure.  "Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly. The FSSAI approval allows us to bring VITADEE Green directly to Indian food fortification and nutraceutical manufacturers, helping bridge the nutrition gap for the country's large population," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech. For India's large vegetarian population, the approval also brings a domestically manufactured, regulatory-approved plant-source Vitamin D3 to the market.  What Is Vitamin D3?  Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness and falls.  Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation.  India Faces Widespread Vitamin D Deficiency Despite abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is common across India. Experts attribute this to long hours spent indoors, limited outdoor activity, sunscreen use, ageing and diets naturally low in Vitamin D. Low Vitamin D levels can lead to weak bones, muscle weakness and an increased risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can cause rickets, while inadequate levels have also been linked to poorer immune function. "Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director of Fermenta Biotech. Is Plant-based Vitamin D3 Better? Doctors say no—not in terms of effectiveness. Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that current evidence shows plant-based Vitamin D3 raises Vitamin D levels just as effectively as conventional supplements. "Based on current science, plant-based Vitamin D3 is comparable to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For most people, it is a good alternative if they prefer a plant-based product," he said. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that plant-derived Vitamin D3—typically sourced from lichen, algae or newer fermentation technologies—offers an animal-free option without compromising efficacy. "It is good news for consumers who prefer vegan products, but both forms are equally effective. There is no medical reason for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3," he said in a post on X. Who Should Take Vitamin D3 Supplements? The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived. "The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said. Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications. Doctors recommend that supplementation should be based on: Blood test results Age Existing medical conditions Medical advice Lifestyle measures such as spending time outdoors, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active also play an important role in maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels. 

india gets its first plant-based vitamin d3: what you need to know

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