Is Vitamin D3 vegan?
Depends
Short answer
Vitamin D3 is depends. Most vitamin D3 is made from lanolin (sheep wool), but vegan D3 from lichen exists.
Key takeaways
- Verdict: Vitamin D3 is depends.
- Commonly found in: Fortified plant milks (check the source), Multivitamins, Cereals, Margarine.
- Vegan alternatives: Vitamin D2 (always vegan, from yeast), Vegan D3 from lichen (brands: Garden of Life, MyKind Organics, Future Kind).
- Also listed as: cholecalciferol.
- Scan any barcode with VeggieOS (100% free) for an instant vegan verdict.
Also known as: cholecalciferol
What it is
The form of vitamin D the body produces from sunlight; supplements use a synthesized form.
Why depends
Source determines vegan status. Look for explicit 'vegan D3' or 'D3 from lichen' labeling.
Where you'll find it
- Fortified plant milks (check the source)
- Multivitamins
- Cereals
- Margarine
Vegan alternatives
- Vitamin D2 (always vegan, from yeast)
- Vegan D3 from lichen (brands: Garden of Life, MyKind Organics, Future Kind)
FAQ
- Is D2 as effective as D3?
- D3 is somewhat more efficient at raising blood levels, but D2 still works. Vegan D3 from lichen gives you both worlds.