Nature Made Products That Contain Gelatin
For consumers with dietary restrictions related to animal products, it's crucial to understand that Nature Made uses gelatin in a significant number of its supplements. The most common forms containing gelatin are:
- Softgels: The soft, translucent outer shell of Nature Made's softgel products, such as their Fish Oil and some Vitamin D3 supplements, is made from gelatin. The company has confirmed that this gelatin comes primarily from a porcine (pork) source.
- Gummies: All Nature Made gummy vitamins use gelatin to achieve their chewy texture. The company explicitly states that because of this, their gummies are not vegetarian or vegan.
- Some Tablets: While many Nature Made tablets may be gelatin-free, some formulations do include gelatin as a processing aid or binder. Therefore, checking the ingredient list is necessary for tablets as well.
Why is Gelatin Used in Supplements?
Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen and is a popular ingredient in the supplement industry for several practical reasons. In softgels, it forms a protective barrier for liquid ingredients and makes the supplement easy to swallow. For gummies, it provides the familiar gelatinous, chewy texture that consumers expect. In some tablet formulations, it can act as a binding agent to hold the ingredients together.
Identifying Gelatin-Free Nature Made Products
Since the use of gelatin varies by product, the most reliable way to find a gelatin-free option is by carefully inspecting the label. Look at the ingredient list, which is required on all dietary supplements. You will need to actively search for the presence or absence of the word "gelatin" in the ingredient breakdown. For tablets, ingredients like "Cellulose Gel" might be listed, indicating a plant-based alternative is used instead of gelatin. When in doubt, consulting the official product information on the Nature Made website or contacting customer service is the safest approach.
Reading the Ingredients Label
Reading the label is your best defense against inadvertently consuming gelatin. While Nature Made products are labeled with ingredients and allergens, it's up to the consumer to check for the specific component. The word "gelatin" will appear if it is present. For those seeking vegetarian options, look for "vegetable capsule" or "veggie cap" alternatives, which often use hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) instead of gelatin. For gummies, plant-based alternatives use gelling agents like pectin or carrageenan, but these will be clearly labeled as such.
Comparison of Nature Made Product Forms and Gelatin
| Feature | Softgels | Gummies | Tablets (Varies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contains Gelatin? | Yes | Yes | Varies by specific product |
| Gelatin Source | Porcine (pork) | Porcine (pork) | If present, likely porcine |
| Plant-Based Alternative? | No, softgels are primarily gelatin | No, all gummies are gelatin-based | Some versions use cellulose gel |
| Vegan/Vegetarian | No | No | Check label for each individual product |
Finding Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives
For consumers committed to a strictly vegan or vegetarian diet, Nature Made has a sister company named MegaFood. MegaFood specializes in 100% vegetarian products, many of which are also certified organic. While Nature Made does not offer kosher or vegetarian certified products under its own brand, exploring the MegaFood line provides a reliable pathway to finding supplements that meet these specific dietary needs. Additionally, always double-check the labels of any brand claiming to be vegetarian or vegan, as the use of various ingredients can be a factor. For more authoritative information on their ingredients, you can visit Nature Made's official FAQ page.
Conclusion: Always Verify the Ingredients
In summary, the assumption that all Nature Made multivitamins are free of animal products is incorrect, as many do contain gelatin. Softgels and gummies are the most likely forms to contain gelatin, which is primarily derived from pork. While some tablets may be gelatin-free, this is not a universal rule, and ingredient lists must be checked. To ensure you are choosing a supplement that aligns with your dietary needs, always read the product label carefully before purchasing. For certified vegetarian options, Nature Made recommends its sister brand, MegaFood.
