Not All B12 Is Created Equal
The fundamental source of vitamin B12 is bacteria, not plants or animals. However, the final supplement product is not always vegan due to the other inactive ingredients used during manufacturing. Nature Made utilizes several different formulations for their B12 supplements, and understanding these is key for a vegan consumer.
The Problem with Nature Made Softgels and Gummies
For products like the Nature Made softgels and gummies, the presence of animal-derived ingredients is explicit and certain. A quick look at the ingredients list reveals the following:
- Gelatin: This is the most common animal-derived ingredient in softgels and gummies. Nature Made confirms that their gelatin is primarily sourced from porcine (pork).
- Beeswax: Found in some softgel formulations, beeswax is an animal-derived product and not vegan.
- Carmine: Used as a coloring agent in some softgels, carmine (also known as cochineal extract) is a red pigment derived from crushed insects.
These ingredients automatically disqualify Nature Made softgels and gummies from being considered vegan.
The Ambiguity of Nature Made Tablets
The situation for Nature Made B12 tablets is less straightforward but equally problematic for strict vegans. Ingredients such as Stearic Acid and Magnesium Stearate are listed on the labels. These compounds can be sourced from either plant or animal fats, and without specific vegan certification, their origin is uncertain.
Because Nature Made explicitly states on their website that they do not offer vegan-certified products and often use animal-derived ingredients in other forms, a vegan consumer cannot assume the tablet version is free of animal products. For this reason, it is best to avoid them and seek a product with clear vegan labeling.
Why Ingredient Sourcing Matters for Vegans
Vegans must be vigilant not only about the active ingredient but also about the inactive 'other ingredients'. This is particularly true for supplement manufacturing, where binding agents, coatings, and colorings are often derived from animal sources to reduce production costs. Reputable vegan brands will use plant-based alternatives, and, most importantly, they will prominently display a vegan certification logo to remove any doubt about the sourcing of all components.
Vegan B12 Alternatives for a Plant-Based Diet
Fortunately, many reliable and effective vegan-certified B12 supplements are available. These products use plant-based inactive ingredients to ensure they are suitable for a vegan lifestyle from start to finish. When searching for an alternative, look for products from reputable brands that:
- Are clearly labeled as 'Vegan' or 'Vegan Certified'.
- Specifically state that their inactive ingredients are plant-based.
- Often feature a third-party vegan certification logo from organizations such as The Vegan Society.
Nature Made vs. Vegan-Certified B12 Comparison
| Feature | Nature Made B12 (most products) | Vegan-Certified B12 (alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | No, not certified vegan. Most contain animal products. | Yes, explicitly certified as vegan. |
| Softgel/Gummy Content | Uses animal-derived Gelatin, Beeswax, and/or Carmine. | Uses plant-based alternatives like pectin or cellulose. |
| Tablet Content | Ingredients like Stearic Acid have uncertain animal or plant origin. | Uses only plant-derived binders and fillers. |
| Certification | No vegan certification offered. | Features third-party vegan certification logos. |
| Animal Products | Frequently contains animal-based ingredients. | Guaranteed free of all animal products. |
Conclusion
While the vitamin B12 itself is derived from microorganisms and is naturally vegan, the finished Nature Made product is not. The inclusion of ingredients like gelatin, beeswax, and carmine in their softgels and gummies, combined with the ambiguous sourcing of inactive ingredients in their tablets, makes the majority of Nature Made's B12 line unsuitable for vegans. The most reliable way for those on a plant-based diet to ensure they are consuming a truly vegan supplement is to seek out products that are explicitly labeled and certified as such by a reputable third-party organization, thereby removing any doubt about the origin of all ingredients. For more information on vegan nutrition, visit The Vegan Society.
