Plant-based vitamin D3 from Cladonia rangiferina
Vitamin D3 is one of the most extensively studied micronutrients in recent years. In addition to its established role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, numerous pieces of evidence demonstrate its involvement in immune function, normal muscle function, and the maintenance of bone health. The skin is also one of the main target organs of vitamin D, which participates in keratinocyte differentiation processes and the maintenance of barrier function.
Main references
Holick MF. The Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic: Approaches for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2017.
Pilz S, Zittermann A, Trummer C, et al. Vitamin D testing and treatment: a narrative review of current evidence. Endocrine Connections. 2019.
Bouillon R, Marcocci C, Carmeliet G, et al. Skeletal and Extraskeletal Actions of Vitamin D: Current Evidence and Outstanding Questions. Endocrine Reviews. 2019.
Pludowski P, Takacs I, Boyanov M, et al. Clinical Practice in the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency: Updated Guidelines. Nutrients. 2023.
EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens. Dietary Reference Values for Vitamin D.
Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 on authorized health claims.
Borage Oil (Borrago officinalis)
Borage oil is one of the main natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid involved in the integrity of cell membranes. Studies are available in the literature regarding the maintenance of skin trophism, the skin's barrier function, and joint well-being. Ministerial indications also recognize its contribution to the functionality of cell membranes and the skin.
Main references
Fan YY, Chapkin RS. Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic acid in human health and nutrition. Journal of Nutrition.
Morse NL. Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid in Clinical Medicine. Alternative Medicine Review.
Ministry of Health. BELFRIT list and Botanicals authorized in food supplements.
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose oil provides gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, structural components of cell membranes. It has been studied in particular for the maintenance of skin trophism, skin elasticity, and physiological joint function.
Main references
Bayles B, Usatine R. Evening Primrose Oil. American Family Physician.
European Medicines Agency (EMA). Assessment Reports on Oenothera biennis.
Ministry of Health. Botanicals in food supplements.
Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)
Flaxseed oil is one of the richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 precursor. Numerous systematic reviews have highlighted the role of plant-based omega-3s in maintaining lipid metabolism, cell membrane integrity, and physiological inflammatory balance.
Main references
Pan A et al. α-Linolenic Acid and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Rodriguez-Leyva D, Pierce GN. The Impact of Flaxseed on Cardiovascular Health. Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Scientific Opinions on Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Cumin Oil (Cuminum cyminum)
Cumin is traditionally used to promote digestive function and regular gastrointestinal motility. In recent years, several clinical studies have also evaluated its potential role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.
Main references
Rahmani AH, Shabrmi FM, Aly SM. Active ingredients of Cuminum cyminum and its therapeutic effects. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Sowbhagya HB. Chemistry, Technology and Nutraceutical Functions of Cumin. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids
The balance between the different unsaturated fatty acids is a fundamental element for maintaining cell membrane fluidity, intracellular communication, and the physiological inflammatory response. Numerous meta-analyses have confirmed the role of essential fatty acids in maintaining cardiovascular health and the functionality of biological membranes.
Main references
Calder PC. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes. Nutrients. 2020.
Calder PC. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology.
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Scientific Opinions on Essential Fatty Acids.
Immune System and Chronic Inflammation
The interaction between vitamin D and essential fatty acids is an area of growing scientific interest. Vitamin D modulates numerous aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, while polyunsaturated fatty acids contribute to the production of lipid mediators involved in the physiological resolution of inflammation. Available evidence suggests a complementary role in maintaining immune homeostasis, although further studies on combination formulations are required.
Main references
Aranow C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. Journal of Investigative Medicine.
Calder PC. Nutrition, Immunity and COVID-19. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.
Guidelines and Reference Documents
EFSA – Dietary Reference Values for Vitamin D.
Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 on authorized health claims.
Ministry of Health – Guidelines on food supplements and Botanicals.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Scientific Opinions on Essential Fatty Acids.
Scientific Considerations
Bioalcalino D combines a plant source of vitamin D3 obtained from Cladonia rangiferina with plant oils naturally rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids. The formulation is aimed at supporting the normal function of the immune system, bone and muscle metabolism, and cell membrane integrity, integrating nutrients with complementary biological mechanisms. Scientific evidence is particularly consolidated for vitamin D, while for borage, evening primrose, flaxseed, and cumin oils, the literature mainly supports their role in maintaining the physiological functionality of cell membranes, the skin, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory balance.