Understanding Gelatin in Supplements
Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly sourced from pork, cattle, or fish. It has long been a staple in the food and supplement industries due to its gelling and binding properties. In supplements, gelatin is primarily used to form the shells of softgels and capsules, as well as providing the gummy texture found in chewable vitamins. This provides a durable, easily digestible, and generally non-allergenic casing that protects the active ingredients from degradation, thereby extending the product's shelf life.
For consumers following a vegetarian, vegan, or certain religious diets (such as kosher or halal), the presence of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin is a major concern. The key to making an informed choice for your nutrition diet is understanding which products contain it and which do not. This requires careful label-reading, as Nature Made, like many supplement companies, uses different formulations across its product line.
Products Containing Gelatin
Nature Made has confirmed that it uses gelatin in many of its products, primarily sourced from pork. This is a crucial detail for anyone avoiding pork-based products for religious or dietary reasons. The following forms are most likely to contain gelatin:
- Softgels: This includes many popular products, such as fish oil supplements and some vitamin D3 softgels. The entire softgel casing is made from gelatin. For example, their standard fish oil softgels are gelatin-based.
- Certain Gummies: While some Nature Made gummies are gelatin-free, many traditional formulations are not. A direct quote from the Nature Made website confirms that many of their Multi Gummies contain gelatin, stating, “No, they are not [vegetarian or vegan] due to the gelatin used in the product”.
- Tablets: Gelatin can also be used as a processing aid or binder in some of Nature Made's tablet formulations. This is less common than in softgels, but it is important to check the ingredients list for confirmation.
Gelatin-Free Options from Nature Made
For those who prefer to avoid gelatin, Nature Made offers several alternatives. These products often utilize plant-based alternatives or different delivery forms that do not require an animal-derived casing. Here are some of the gelatin-free options:
- Tablets: Many of Nature Made's tablet vitamins, like their B12 tablets, are made with cellulose gel and other plant-based binders rather than gelatin. Always check the specific product label to be sure, as formulations can vary.
- Pectin-Based Gummies: In response to consumer demand, Nature Made has introduced several gummy products made with pectin, a plant-derived gelling agent. Their Zero Sugar gummies line, including Vitamin C and Vitamin D3, are explicitly made with pectin, not gelatin. Their collagen gummies are also pectin-based.
- Capsules: Some newer capsule formulations use vegetable-based casings, though softgels remain a common product type. For example, some products might contain 'hypromellose', a common plant-based alternative for capsules.
How to Check for Gelatin on Labels
To ensure you are purchasing a gelatin-free product, always perform the following steps:
- Read the 'Ingredients' list: This is the most important step. If gelatin is present, it must be listed by law.
- Look for 'Gelatin': For softgels and capsules, the word 'Gelatin' will be prominent in the ingredients list. Look carefully, as some products might use similar terms.
- Check for 'Pectin': For gummies, look for 'Pectin' as the gelling agent. This indicates a plant-based, gelatin-free product.
- Confirm 'Vegetarian' or 'Vegan' claims: While Nature Made does not label products as vegetarian, some retailers may categorize them this way. A product that is confirmed as pectin-based is a safe bet for those with animal-product concerns regarding gelatin. For completely certified vegan options, their sister company MegaFood is a better fit.
Comparison of Nature Made Products with and Without Gelatin
| Feature | Products with Gelatin | Products without Gelatin |
|---|---|---|
| Common Forms | Softgels, some gummies | Tablets, pectin-based gummies |
| Typical Ingredients | Gelatin (primarily porcine) | Cellulose Gel, Pectin (for gummies) |
| Examples | Standard Fish Oil Softgels, Multi Gummies | Most Tablets (e.g., Vitamin B12), Zero Sugar Gummies (e.g., Vitamin D3, Vitamin C) |
| Dietary Suitability | Non-vegetarian, Non-vegan, Not Kosher/Halal | Often suitable for vegetarians and vegans |
| Key Identifier | 'Gelatin' on the ingredients label | 'Pectin' or 'Cellulose Gel' on the ingredients label |
Conclusion
While many Nature Made softgel and gummy products do contain porcine-derived gelatin, the company also offers a variety of gelatin-free alternatives, particularly in their tablet and newer pectin-based gummy lines. For those maintaining a vegetarian, vegan, or specific religious diet, the most reliable method is to always check the 'Ingredients' section on the product label. This ensures that you can make informed choices that align with your dietary needs and preferences, and you do not have to give up Nature Made supplements altogether. For specific questions or to verify ingredient sources, referring to the official Nature Made website is the best source of information.
Additional Resources
For the most current information regarding specific product ingredients, including the source of gelatin, you can consult Nature Made's official ingredients and allergens page Nature Made Ingredients & Allergens.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement regimen.
