What Kind of Gelatin Is in Vitamin D Supplements?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of vitamin D softgel supplements contain gelatin derived from animal collagen. Consumers with dietary restrictions, such as vegans, vegetarians, or those following religious guidelines like kosher and halal, must carefully check labels to know what kind of gelatin is in vitamin D. This guide will demystify the common and alternative sources of gelatin used in these popular supplements.

Quick Summary

Vitamin D supplements often use gelatin from animal sources like bovine, porcine, or fish. Alternatives exist, including plant-based cellulose capsules and vegan D3 from lichen. The gelatin source must be checked, especially for dietary or ethical reasons, as it is not always specified on the label. High-potency D3 often uses animal-based softgels.

Key Points

Common Gelatin Sources: Vitamin D softgels typically use gelatin derived from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) sources due to their excellent gelling properties.
Fish Gelatin Alternative: For consumers avoiding mammalian products, fish gelatin is available and is often used in marine-sourced or certain kosher supplements.
Vegan Options Exist: Vegan vitamin D supplements use plant-based capsules, typically cellulose, and often contain vitamin D3 sourced from lichen.
Read Labels Carefully: The specific gelatin source is not always prominent on the label, making it essential for individuals with dietary restrictions (e.g., kosher, halal, vegan) to read the full ingredients list or check for certifications.
D3 Source Varies: Even if the capsule is plant-based, the vitamin D3 itself can still be derived from lanolin (sheep's wool), so look for explicitly labeled 'vegan D3'.
Manufacturer Information is Key: When in doubt about a product's gelatin source, consult the manufacturer's website or customer service for confirmation.

Understanding Gelatin in Supplements

Gelatin is a versatile protein derived from the collagen of animal by-products, typically bones, hides, and skin. Its primary function in supplements, particularly softgels, is to provide a stable, easily digestible casing that protects the active ingredients from degradation. Gelatin's thermo-reversible gelling properties make it ideal for creating sealed, single-dose softgels. However, the source of this gelatin can vary widely, which is a critical consideration for consumers with specific dietary needs or ethical preferences. The three most common sources of gelatin used in vitamin D supplements are bovine, porcine, and marine (fish).

Common Sources of Gelatin in Vitamin D

Bovine Gelatin

Derived from cow hides and bones, bovine gelatin is a very common source for softgels. Manufacturers often choose bovine gelatin due to its high 'bloom' value, which indicates strong gel strength, making it very suitable for creating firm and stable capsules. Supplements using bovine gelatin can be certified as kosher and halal, provided that the cattle were processed according to the relevant dietary laws. Companies will typically state if their bovine gelatin is certified kosher or halal on the packaging. Many vitamin D3 products specifically mention using bovine gelatin.

Porcine Gelatin

Porcine gelatin, which comes from pig skin and bones, is another prevalent source. It is known for its excellent gelling properties and is widely used across the food and pharmaceutical industries. For individuals following kosher or halal diets, porcine gelatin is strictly prohibited. Since manufacturers may use different gelatin sources depending on the batch, some brands note that their vitamin D products could contain either bovine or porcine gelatin. This makes it crucial for consumers to verify the exact source for each specific product batch if they have religious dietary restrictions.

Fish Gelatin

As an alternative to mammalian sources, some vitamin D supplements are encapsulated in fish gelatin. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitivities to bovine or porcine products, as well as for some religious dietary observances. Fish gelatin is also a popular choice for 'marine-sourced' or certain kosher supplements. However, it is important to note that fish gelatin generally has a lower gel strength and melting temperature compared to mammalian gelatin, which can affect the softgel's properties. Some vitamin D products on the market explicitly state the use of fish gelatin in their ingredients.

Plant-Based and Vegan Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid all animal products, several plant-based options are available. The most common alternative is cellulose, often referred to as 'vegicaps' or 'vegetarian capsules,' derived from plant fiber. These capsules provide a similar function to gelatin but are completely animal-free. Moreover, some vegan-friendly vitamin D supplements utilize lichen-derived vitamin D3, a plant-based form of cholecalciferol, and enclose it in vegan capsules or formulate it as a liquid. Another plant-based gelling agent, agar-agar, derived from seaweed, can also be used, though less commonly in softgel format.

Comparison of Gelatin and Capsule Types in Vitamin D


Feature	Bovine Gelatin	Porcine Gelatin	Fish Gelatin	Plant-Based Capsules (Cellulose)
Source	Cow hides and bones	Pig skin and bones	Fish skin, scales, and bones	Plant fibers, like HPMC
Dietary Restrictions	Accepted by some kosher/halal with certification.	Prohibited in kosher and halal diets.	Generally suitable for kosher/halal if sourced correctly.	Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and halal diets.
Gel Strength	High bloom value.	High bloom value.	Lower gel strength and melting point.	Does not form a traditional gel; casing is formed differently.
Best For	Standard softgels, wide availability.	Standard softgels, cost-effective.	Consumers avoiding red meat/pork, some specific diets.	Vegans, vegetarians, and those with specific dietary rules.
Manufacturing	Widespread use in pharmaceuticals and supplements.	Widespread use, often blended with bovine.	Used for specialized products; often with marine-sourced ingredients.	Growing in popularity for dietary and ethical reasons.

Finding Gelatin-Free and Vegan Vitamin D Supplements

For consumers navigating dietary restrictions, finding a gelatin-free vitamin D supplement requires careful label reading. Many products explicitly labeled 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' use plant-derived capsules made from cellulose. A significant number of standard vitamin D3 softgels, however, use animal-based gelatin from lanolin and encapsulate it in a bovine or porcine shell.

To ensure a product is truly vegan, look for certifications from reputable organizations. For example, some brands offer vegan vitamin D3 sourced from lichen, a plant-based alternative. Companies like Nordic Naturals and Source Naturals provide clear labeling on their vegan options. If a brand doesn't specify, it's safest to assume the softgel contains mammalian gelatin. Checking the manufacturer's website or contacting their customer support can provide definitive answers.

Conclusion

Understanding what kind of gelatin is in vitamin D supplements is crucial for many consumers. The source is not always obvious, with bovine and porcine gelatin being the most common, while fish gelatin serves as an alternative for specific dietary needs. For those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, plant-based capsules made from cellulose offer a suitable alternative. By checking labels carefully for certifications or specific declarations, consumers can ensure their vitamin D supplement aligns with their personal, ethical, and dietary requirements. This transparency allows informed decisions in the evolving world of nutritional supplements.

Visit the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements for more consumer information on vitamin D.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all gelatin is animal-based. While many vitamin D softgels use gelatin from animal collagen (bovine or porcine), vegan and vegetarian alternatives are widely available that use plant-based capsules, most commonly cellulose.

Look for explicit labeling such as 'vegan,' 'vegetarian capsules,' or 'plant-based' on the product packaging. Some supplements may also list specific sources like 'lichen-derived D3' or mention that the capsule is made from cellulose.

Yes. Gelatin from bovine or fish sources can be processed according to kosher or halal dietary laws. It is important to look for a specific certification mark, such as 'OU Kosher' or 'IFANCA Halal,' on the product label to ensure compliance.

Yes. While traditional vitamin D3 is often derived from lanolin found in sheep's wool, vegan D3 is sourced from lichen, a plant-based organism. Look for products specifically labeled 'Vegan D3' to confirm.

Bovine gelatin comes from cow by-products, while porcine gelatin comes from pig by-products. The primary difference for consumers relates to dietary restrictions, as porcine gelatin is not suitable for kosher or halal diets, unlike some bovine or fish alternatives.

While fish gelatin can sometimes carry a subtle taste, most reputable supplement manufacturers use refined fish gelatin that is processed to minimize or eliminate any residual 'fishy' smell or taste, especially in softgel capsules.

Softgel capsules are typically made of a gelatin-based shell, which can be sourced from bovine, porcine, or fish collagen. The softgel formulation also includes other ingredients like water and a plasticizer such as glycerin to maintain its soft, pliable texture.

Gelatin is used in softgels because it is easily digestible, virtually non-allergenic, and provides a stable, sealed casing that protects the vitamin from oxidation and degradation. It also ensures accurate dosage delivery and a smooth, easy-to-swallow form.