Is Vitamin D3 Vegetarian?

Vegetarian

Vegan: Depends on Source How we decide

The animal is not killed to obtain it, which is the line a vegetarian diet draws. It remains an animal product, so it sits outside a vegan diet.

The two diets, side by side

A vegetarian diet excludes animals that were killed. A vegan diet excludes animal products entirely, whether the animal survived or not. Vitamin D3 sits in the gap between them: it clears the first bar and fails the second.

Vitamin D3 depends on the source. Most cholecalciferol is made by shining UV light on lanolin, the grease from sheep's wool, and the vegan version is grown from lichen instead. Oatly and many plant milks use the lichen form; a capsule supplement is lanolin unless the label says vegan D3.

Relevant to: Mammal

What it is

Comes from: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is most commonly derived from lanolin (sheep's wool grease) via UV irradiation. A vegan alternative is derived from lichen (algae-fungi organism). Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is always vegan (yeast-derived).
Which animal: sheep, via lanolin
Requires slaughter: No, the animal keeps living
Where you meet it: Fortified plant milks, fortified cereals, dietary supplements, some margarines and spreads.
What replaces it: Vitamin D3 from lichen (Vitashine, Nordic Naturals Algae Omega) or Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, always plant-derived).

Editorial notes

Oatly and many plant milks use lichen-derived D3. Check the supplement brand — most capsule D3 supplements are lanolin-derived unless labeled 'vegan D3.'

Frequently asked questions

Is Vitamin D3 vegetarian?

Vegetarian. The animal is not killed to obtain it, which is the line a vegetarian diet draws. It remains an animal product, so it sits outside a vegan diet.

Is Vitamin D3 vegan?

Depends on Source. Vitamin D3 depends on the source. Most cholecalciferol is made by shining UV light on lanolin, the grease from sheep's wool, and the vegan version is grown from lichen instead. Oatly and many plant milks use the lichen form; a capsule supplement is lanolin unless the label says vegan D3.

Is vitamin D3 vegan?

It depends on the source. Most vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is derived from lanolin, a grease from sheep's wool, and is not vegan. A vegan version made from lichen exists. The lichen form is chemically identical. The label rarely states which one is used, so look for a vegan claim or contact the manufacturer.

What is the difference between vitamin D2 and D3 for vegans?

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is made from yeast or fungi. D2 is always vegan. D3 (cholecalciferol) is usually from lanolin but can be from lichen. Research suggests D3 is somewhat more effective at raising and maintaining blood vitamin D levels. Vegans wanting D3 specifically should choose a lichen-sourced product.

Is lanolin-derived vitamin D3 vegetarian?

Lanolin-derived D3 is generally considered vegetarian, because lanolin is collected from wool without slaughtering the sheep. The ingredient is still animal-derived, so it is not vegan. Vegans should look for lichen D3 or vitamin D2 instead.