Most vitamin D3 is made from lanolin — wool grease — which makes it animal-derived but not slaughter-derived: accepted by vegetarian standards, incompatible with vegan ones unless the D3 is lichen-derived. Lichen D3 exists and is documented by the raw-material supplier. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), produced from fungal and yeast sterols, is compatible with vegan claims.
What it means for each mark
- VeganLanolin-derived D3 is excluded; lichen-derived D3 or vitamin D2 passes with source documentation.
- VegetarianLanolin-derived D3 is accepted — wool grease is collected from shorn wool and involves no slaughter.
Where it typically hides
- Fortified plant milks, juices and breakfast cereals
- Multivitamins and single-nutrient supplements
- Infant and toddler formulas
- Fortified spreads and margarine
What a certification review asks for
- A raw-material source declaration for the D3 — lanolin or lichen
- Carrier and encapsulation materials: D3 often ships in gelatin-stabilized beadlets or gelatin softgels
- The fortification premix specification, which names the vitamin form and carrier system
Alternatives
- Lichen-derived vitamin D3 (vegan-compatible, supplier-documented)
- Vitamin D2 / ergocalciferol (fungal or yeast origin)
Frequently asked questions
Is vitamin D3 vegan?
Usually not. Most D3 is produced from lanolin, the grease in sheep's wool. Lichen-derived D3 is vegan-compatible and comes with supplier documentation stating the source.
Is lanolin-derived D3 vegetarian?
Yes. Lanolin is collected from shorn wool and involves no slaughter, so lanolin-derived D3 is accepted by vegetarian standards.
Does fortified plant milk contain animal-derived vitamin D?
Sometimes. Some fortified plant milks use lanolin-derived D3; others use D2 or lichen-derived D3. The fortification premix specification shows the source.