Is it vegan? Vitamins & supplements
Is vitamin D3 vegan?
Quick answer: It depends. Most vitamin D3 is made from lanolin in sheep’s wool or from fish oil, so it is not vegan; vitamin D3 sourced from lichen is vegan.
Also called: cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, lichen D3, vegan D3
The details
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements explains that vitamin D3 is typically produced by irradiating 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin obtained from sheep’s wool, and that an animal-free version of vitamin D3 sourced from lichen is also available.
Fortified foods and supplements simply listing “vitamin D3” or “cholecalciferol” should be assumed to be non-vegan unless they state a lichen source or carry a vegan logo. The NHS also advises vegans to check that the vitamin D in a product is not of animal origin.
What to look for on the label
- “vitamin D3 (from lichen)” = vegan
- “vitamin D3” or “cholecalciferol” alone = usually lanolin
- vegan logo
Where it’s found
- Supplements and multivitamins
- Fortified cereals, spreads and some plant milks
Vegan alternatives
- Lichen-derived vitamin D3
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)
- UV-exposed mushrooms
Frequently asked questions
Is vitamin D3 vegan?
It depends. Most vitamin D3 is made from lanolin in sheep’s wool or from fish oil, so it is not vegan; vitamin D3 sourced from lichen is vegan.
Is D3 better than D2?
Research suggests D3 raises blood levels more effectively, which is why vegan lichen D3 is popular, but both forms can be used.
Sources
- Vitamin D: fact sheet for health professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- The vegan diet — NHS
- Vitamin D — NHS
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.