UKMi Q&A xx - SPS
Which oral vitamin D products are suitable for people with vegetarian or vegan diets?
Prepared by UK Medicines Information (UKMi) pharmacists for NHS healthcare professionals
Before using this Q&A, read the disclaimer at
Date prepared: September 2019
Background
Vitamin D is essential for skeletal growth and bone health. Severe deficiency can result in rickets in children and osteomalacia in both adults and children. In addition, low vitamin D status has been linked to health problems such as osteoporosis and national surveys suggest that around a fifth of adults may have a low vitamin D status. (1) The Department of Health (DoH) recommends supplements throughout the year for patients who; are frail or housebound and do not get enough sunlight, are in an institution (such as a care/nursing home), have darker skin (i.e. of African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background) and those who usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin whilst outdoors. (1;2)
Many vitamin D supplements are made from sources of animal origin and as a result, increasing numbers of patients are seeking advice from healthcare professionals on the origins of active ingredients and excipients used in vitamin D products, with a view to establish suitability of these for their dietary requirements. (3) A large variety of vitamin D products are available in the UK including licensed products, specially made products and nutritional supplements – which makes finding information on suitability for vegans and vegetarians difficult and time consuming.
The European Vegetarian Union has proposed the following definitions to describe vegan or vegetarian diets: (3)
Vegan diets consist of foods that are not products of animal origin and in which, at no stage of production and processing, use has been made of or the food has been supplemented with, ingredients (including additives, carriers, flavourings or enzymes), processing aids or other substances that are of animal origin.
Vegetarian diets meet the same food requirements as vegan diets, with the difference that in their production or processing, the following ingredients (or their components or derivatives) may be added or used: milk and dairy products, colostrum, eggs, honey, beeswax, propolis or wool grease (including lanolin derived from the wool of living sheep or their components or derivatives).
Currently, all medicines in the UK must be tested on animals before they are deemed safe for human use. The Vegan Society in the UK does not recommend that medication prescribed by doctors be avoided as a result of this. They do propose that patients ask their healthcare professionals for possible options of medication that do not contain animal products (such as gelatine or lactose). (4)
This guide reflects information obtained from manufacturers and it aims to help healthcare professionals make decisions regarding suitability of vitamin D products. For each product, suitability for vegans and vegetarians was assessed according to the criteria set out by the European Vegetarian Union. (3) Every effort has been made to ensure information was correct at the time of writing; however manufacturers regularly change the contents of their products so it is prudent to check the currency of this information with them or the supplier prior to product use. This document should not be used as a single resource and individuals should satisfy themselves as to whether a product is suitable for their own dietary requirements. Generally, medicines suitable for vegetarians and vegans would be considered appropriate for patients with a Halal diet, so long as they do not contain alcohol. There is a useful Medicines Q&A on factors to consider when advising on medicines suitable for a Halal diet.
Answer
Ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2, is derived from substance called ergosterol that comes from yeast and so is suitable for vegans. (5;6)
Colecalciferol products derived from sheep’s wool fat are not acceptable to vegans but are usually suitable for vegetarians, unless this is derived from the wool fat of from slaughtered animals (in which case, some vegetarians may object). (6;7) In some products, the colecalciferol may be derived from lichen; this is suitable from vegans and vegetarians as it is not an animal product. (5;6)
Other excipients such as magnesium stearate should also be taken into account when considering the suitability of products in vegetarians and vegans as this can be produced from either a vegetable or animal source. (8) The National Osteoporosis Society states that colecalciferol may be slightly more effective than ergocalciferol. (9)
There are more colecalciferol products readily available in the UK (including licensed products) compared with ergocalciferol products; for this reason, there are more colecalciferol products listed in this Medicines Q&A. The tables below are primarily based on the available oral (branded) vitamin D preparations listed in the BNF. It only includes branded licensed products because if vitamin D products are prescribed generically, pharmacies could dispense any product and some of them might not be suitable.
Some vitamin D supplements available for purchase have also been included. This is because NHS England and NHS Clinical Commissioners recommend that vitamin D maintenance therapy can be managed with items which can be bought cheaply and easily by patients. They recommend that vitamin D supplements should not routinely be prescribed in primary care. (10) This means healthcare professionals may be asked which vitamin D products can be purchased, whether they are suitable for vegans or vegetarians and where they can be purchased from. The selection of products for this table was based on the expected ease of availability of each product. Prices have not been included as these may be subject to fluctuations and inconsistency. The information regarding where items can be bought is not extensive and items may be available in places outside of those listed (e.g. independent community pharmacies, health food shops or internet retailers).
Contents: Suitability of the following for vegan and vegetarian diets:
Table 1. Licensed branded vitamin D tablets and capsules
Table 2. Licensed branded vitamin D liquid
Table 3. Vitamin D branded tablets and capsules marketed as nutritional supplements
Table 4. Vitamin D branded liquid preparations marketed as nutritional supplements
Table 5. Vitamin D branded tablets and capsules available for purchase
Table 6. Vitamin D branded liquid preparations available for purchase
Explanatory notes for Tables 1-6
|Symbol |Explanation |
|✓ |Confirmed by manufacturers to be suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets as per the definitions of vegetarian|
| |and vegan by the European Vegetarian Union |
|x * |Contains gelatine from a bovine or porcine source. |
|x ** |Contains colecalciferol derived from lanolin from the wool of sheep. |
|x*** |Contains lanolin (derived from animals). |
|x? |Manufacturer indicates unsuitable but no detail as to why unsuitable. |
Table 1. Suitability of licensed branded vitamin D TABLETS and CAPSULES for vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength |Manufacturer |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| | | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | |800 IU capsule: | | |
|Aviticol (colecalciferol) |Colonis Pharma Ltd |Medium-chain triglycerides (from vegetable sources), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), colloidal anhydrous silica, gelatin, |x * |x * |
| | |purified water, polysorbate 80, yellow iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171). | | |
|Capsules: 800 IU, | |1000 IU capsule: | | |
|1000 IU, 20 000 IU (11-14) | |Medium-chain triglycerides (from vegetable sources), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), colloidal anhydrous silica, gelatin, | | |
| | |purified water, polysorbate 80, red iron oxide (E172), yellow iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), azorubine, | | |
| | |carmoisine (E122). | | |
| | | | | |
| | |20 000 IU capsule: | | |
| | |Medium-chain triglycerides (from vegetable sources), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), colloidal silicon dioxide, gelatin, | | |
| | |titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172). | | |
| | | | | |
|Desunin (colecalciferol) |Mylan |800IU Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Pregelatinized maize starch, isomalt (E953), magnesium stearate, sucrose, sodium ascorbate, triglycerides (medium chain), | | |
|Tablets: | |silica (colloidal anhydrous), modified food (maize) starch, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol. | | |
|800 IU, 4000 IU (15-17) | | | | |
| | |4000IU Tablets: | | |
| | |Pregelatinized maize starch, isomalt (E953), magnesium stearate, sucrose, sodium ascorbate, triglycerides (medium chain), | | |
| | |silica (colloidal anhydrous), sodium starch octenyl succinate (E 1450), all-rac-alpha-tocopherol. | | |
| | | | | |
|Fultium D3 (colecalciferol) |Internis |800 IU capsule: |x * |x * |
| |Pharmaceuticals Ltd |Maize Oil (refined), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (E321), glycerol (E422), purified water, brilliant blue W.S (E133), | | |
|Capsules: 800 IU, 3200 IU, 20 000 IU | |gelatin (E441). | | |
|(18-21) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |3200 IU capsule: |x * |x * |
| | |Maize oil (refined), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (E321), glycerol (E422), purified water, chlorophyllin copper complex | | |
| | |sodium (E141), gelatin (E441). | | |
| | |20 000 IU capsule: | | |
| | |Maize oil (refined), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (E321), glycerol (E422), purified water, quinoline yellow (E104), gelatin |x * |x * |
| | |(E441). | | |
| | | | | |
|InVita D3 (colecalciferol) |Consilient Health Ltd |400 IU capsules: |x * |x * |
| | |All-rac-α-tocopherol (E307), medium chain triglycerides, glycerol, gelatine, Opacode® white imprinting ink (shellac (E904), | | |
|Soft capsules: | |titanium dioxide (E171) and simethicone). | | |
|400 IU, 800 IU, 5600 IU, | | | | |
|25 000 IU, 50 000 IU (22-27) | |5600 IU capsules: | | |
| | |All-rac-α-tocopherol (E307), medium chain triglycerides, glycerol (E422), gelatine (E441), Allura Red AC (E129), Sunset Yellow| | |
| | |FCF (E110), Opacode® white imprinting ink (shellac (E904), titanium dioxide (E171) and simethicone. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |800, 25 000 and 50 000 IU capsules: | | |
| | |All-rac-α-tocopherol (E307), medium chain triglycerides, glycerol, gelatine, Allura Red AC (E129), Opacode® white imprinting | | |
| | |ink (shellac (E904), titanium dioxide (E171) and simethicone). | | |
| | | | | |
|Plenachol (colecalciferol) |Accord UK Ltd |Medium-chain triglycerides, butylhydroxyanisole, colloidal anhydrous silica, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171). |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 20 000 IU, | | | | |
|40 000 IU (28-30) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Stexerol-D3 (colecalciferol) |Kyowa Kirin Ltd |1000 IU: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, modified maize starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, | | |
|Tablets: 1000 IU, | |sucrose, sodium ascorbate, triglycerides, medium chain, silicon dioxide, colloidal, all-rac-α-tocopherol, hypromellose, talc, | | |
|25 000 IU (31;32) | |macrogol 6000 (PEG), titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172), red iron oxide (E172). | | |
| | | | | |
| | |25 000 IU: | | |
| | |Modified maize starch, sucrose, mannitol, croscarmellose sodium, polacrilin potassium, silicon dioxide (colloidal), sodium | | |
| | |ascorbate, triglycerides (medium chain), colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, all-rac-α-tocopherol, hypromellose, | | |
| | |talc, macrogol 6000 (PEG), titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172), red iron oxide (E172). | | |
| | | | | |
|Strivit-D3 (colecalciferol) |Strides Pharma UK Ltd |Maize oil (refined), gelatin, glycerol (E 422), brilliant blue supra containing brilliant blue for colouring of food (E-133), |x * |x * |
| | |sodium chloride and sodium sulphate, purified water. | | |
|Capsules: 800 IU (33;34) | | | | |
Table 2. Suitability of licensed branded vitamin D LIQUID products for vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength |Manufacturer |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| | | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | | | | |
|Fultium D3 drops (colecalciferol) |Internis |Medium-chain triglycerides (from coconut oil and palm kemel oil) |✓ |x ** |
| |Pharmaceuticals Ltd | | | |
|Oral drops: 2740 IU/mL (18;35) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|InVita D3 (colecalciferol) |Consilient Health Ltd |All-rac-α tocopherol acetate, polyglyceryl oleate (E475), refined olive oil (refined), |✓ |x ** |
| | |sweet orange peel oil | | |
|Oral drops: 2400 IU/mL | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Single use, oral solution: 25 000 IU, 50 | | | | |
|000 IU (22;36-38) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Sapvit-D3 |Stirling Anglian |Medium chain triglycerides |✓ |x ** |
| |Pharmaceuticals Ltd | | | |
|Oral drops: 14,400 IU/mL (39;40) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Thorens |Galen Ltd |Refined olive oil |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Oral drops: 10 000 IU/mL | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 25 000 IU/2.5mL | | | | |
|(41-43) | | | | |
Table 3. Suitability of a selection of vitamin D TABLETS and CAPSULES marketed as nutritional supplements for vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength |Manufacturer |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| | | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | | | | |
|Aciferol D3 (colecalciferol) |Rhodes Pharma |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Micro crystalline cellulose, di-calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, modified food starch, | | |
|Tablets: 400 IU, 1000 IU, 2200 IU, 3000 IU,| |sucrose, sodium ascorbate, medium chain triglycerides, silicon dioxide, DL alpha tocopherol, coleclaciferol, carboxymethyl | | |
|5000 IU, 10 000 IU, | |cellulose. | | |
|20 000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 30 000 IU, | | | | |
|50 000 IU (44) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Capsules: | | |
| | |Maltodextrin, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose | | |
| | | | | |
|Bio-Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |Pharma Nord |400 IU capsules: |x * |x * |
| | |Olive oil, bovine gelatine, glycerol, purified water. | | |
|Capsules: 400 IU, 800 IU, 1000 IU, 5000 IU,| | | | |
|20 000 IU | |800 IU and 1000 IU capsules: | | |
|(45;46) | |Olive oil, bovine gelatine, glycerol, purified water. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |5000 IU capsules | | |
| | |Olive oil, bovine gelatine, glycerol, purified water, ammonia caramel. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |20 000 IU capsules: | | |
| | |Olive oil, bovine gelatine, glycerol, purified water, iron oxide. | | |
| | | | | |
|Cubicole (colecalciferol) |Cubic Pharmaceuticals |400 IU Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| |Ltd |Dibasic calcium phosphate (dihydrate), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and sodium starch glycolate. | | |
|Tablets: 400 IU | | | | |
| | |400 IU, 600 IU, 2,200 IU, 3,000IU, and 10,000IU Capsules | | |
|Capsules: 400 IU, 600 IU, 2200 IU, 3000 IU,| |Dibasic calcium phosphate (dihydrate), magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose contained within a vegetal capsule | | |
|10000 IU, 20000 IU | |(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose). | | |
|(47;48) | | | | |
| | |20,000 IU Capsules: | | |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose contained within a vegetal capsule (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) | | |
| | | | | |
|Eciferol D2 (ergocalciferol) |Rhodes Pharma |Maltodextrin, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, maltodextric, dextrose monohydrate, sunflower oil. |✓ |✓ |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 50 000 IU (44) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|E-D3 (colecalciferol) |Ennogen |10 000 IU and 20 000 IU Tablets: |x? |x? |
| | |Dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 400 IU, | | | | |
|1000 IU,10 000 IU, 20 000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 400 IU, | | | | |
|600 IU,1000 IU, 2200 IU, 2500 IU, 3000 IU, | | | | |
|5000 IU, 10 000 IU, | | | | |
|20 000 IU, 30 000 IU, | | | | |
|50 000 IU (49) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |400 IU Tablets: |✓ |x** |
| | |Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |1000 IU Tablets: |✓ |x** |
| | |Dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |2200 IU, 5000 IU, 30 000 IU, 10 000 IU and 50 000 IU Capsules: |x* |x* |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, gelatin | | |
| | | | | |
| | |400 IU, 1000 IU, and 20 000 IU Capsules: |✓ |x** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, silicon dioxide, vegetable source, magnesium | | |
| | |stearate. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |600 IU, 3000 IU and 2500 IU Capsules: |✓ |x** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and vegetable source HPMC capsule. | | |
| | | | | |
|Ergo-D2 (ergocalciferol) |Ennogen |1.25mg (25 000 IU) Capsules: |x? |x? |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose | | |
|Tablets: 12.5 micrograms | | | | |
|(500 IU) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 1.25mg (25,000 IU) (49) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |12.5 micrograms (500 IU) Tablets: |✓ |✓ |
| | |Dibasic calcium phosphate (dihydrate), magnesium stearate and are coated with ethylcellulose (using industrial methylated | | |
| | |spirits). | | |
| | | | | |
|Ergoral D2 (ergocalciferol) |Cubic Pharmaceuticals |50 000 IU Capsules: |✓ |✓ |
| |Ltd |Dibasic calcium phosphate (dihydrate) and magnesium stearate contained within a vegetal capsule (hydroxypropyl methyl | | |
|Tablets: 5000 IU and 10000 IU | |cellulose). | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 50 000 IU (47;50) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |5000 and 10 000 IU Tablets: Dibasic calcium phosphate (dihydrate) and magnesium stearate coated with ethylcellulose. |✓ |✓ |
| | | | | |
|Hux D3 (colecalciferol) |Huxley Europe |3200 IU and 20 000 IU Capsules: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Corn oil, sunflower seed oil and vegetarian capsule shell. | | |
|Capsules: 3200 IU and | | | | |
|20 000 IU (51;52) | | | | |
| | | |x * |x * |
|Lamberts Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |Lamberts Healthcare |1000 IU capsules: | | |
| |Ltd |Bovine gelatine, glycerine, sunflower seed oil, dl-alpha tocopherol | | |
|Tablets: 400 IU | | | | |
|Capsules: 1000 IU | | | | |
|Vegan Capsules: 1000 IU | | | | |
|(53;54) | | | | |
| | | |✓ |✓ |
| | |1000 IU Vegan capsules: | | |
| | |Modified Corn Starch, glycerine, carrageenan, sodium carbonate. | | |
| | | | | |
| | |400 IU Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, silicone dioxide, stearic acid, magnesium stearate. | | |
| | | | | |
|Osteocaps D3 (colecalciferol) |Rhodes Pharma |1000 IU, 20 000 IU capsules: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Sunflower seed oil, modified corn starch, glycerol, carrageenan | | |
|Capsules:1000 IU, | | | | |
|20 000 IU (55) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Pro D3 (colecalciferol) |Synergy Biologics |ProD3 Capsules (800 IU): |✓ |x ** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, starch, sucrose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, candurin silver | | |
|Capsules: 400 IU,800 IU, 1000 IU, 2500 IU, | |fine, yellow iron oxide, brilliant blue FCF | | |
|10 000 IU, 20 000 IU, | | | | |
|30 000 IU | |ProD3 Capsules (1000 IU, 2500 IU, 10 000IU, 20 000 IU and 30 000 IU): | | |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, sucrose, starch, medium chain triglycerides, acacia gum, vitamin E, magnesium stearate, | | |
|Vegan Capsules: | |hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, Brilliant blue FCF, Black iron oxide | | |
|Capsules: 800 IU, 3200 and 20,000 IU | | | | |
|(56;57) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |ProD3 Vegan Capsules: |✓ |✓ |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, fractionated coconut oil, corn syrup, mono & diglycerides of fatty acids, silicon dioxide, | | |
| | |D-a-Tocopherol, sodium Ascorbate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide. | | |
| | | | | |
|Solgar Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |Solgar Vitamin and |Vegetarian capsules |✓ |x ** |
| |Herb UK |600 IU: Microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide | | |
|Softgels: 400 IU, 1000 IU | | | | |
| | |2200 IU and 4000 IU: | | |
|Vegetarian capsules: | |Microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate | | |
|600 IU, 2200 IU, 4000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 1000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Chewable tablets: 1000 IU | | | | |
|(58;59) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Tablets |✓ |x ** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, modified starch, vegetable oil, vegetable stearic acid, silicon dioxide, vegetable | | |
| | |magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, vegetable glycerin (from rapeseed oil), riboflavin | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Chewable tablets |✓ |x ** |
| | |Sucrose, fructose, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, food starch, maltodextrin, dextrose, vegetable stearic acid, silicon | | |
| | |dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate, strawberry and banana natural flavours, malic acid, citric acid | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Softgels: |x * |x * |
| | |Safflower oil, gelatin (from bovine), vegetable glycerine (from palm kernel oil and coconut oil) | | |
| | | | | |
|SunVit D3 (colecalciferol) |Sunvit D3 Ltd |Capsules: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, acacia gum, sucrose, starch, medium chain triglycerides, vitamin E, magnesium stearate, | | |
|Tablets: | |hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, titanium dioxide. | | |
|400 IU, 800 IU, 1000 IU, 2000 IU, 3000 IU,| | | | |
|5000 IU, | | | | |
|10 000 IU, 20 000 IU, 25 000 IU, 50 000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: | | | | |
|400 IU, 800 IU, 1000 IU, 2200 IU, 2500 IU, | | | | |
|3200 IU, 10 000 IU, 20 000 IU, 40 000 IU, | | | | |
|50 000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Vegan Tablets: | | | | |
|400 IU, 1000 IU (60;61) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Vegan Tablets: |✓ |✓ |
| | |Di-calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, glazing agents (E464, E171, E553b, E463, medium chain triglycerides, E903), | | |
| | |magnesium stearate, silica). | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Modified starch, sucrose, tocopherol, sodium ascorbate, lactose monohydrate EP (milk), sodium starch glycollate EP, | | |
| | |microcrystalline cellulose EP, croscarmellose sodium EP, colloidal anhydrous silica EP, stearic acid EP, magnesium stearate EP, | | |
| | |hydroxypropyl methylcellulose EP, titanium dioxide EP, carnauba wax and purified Talc EP. | | |
Table 4. Suitability of vitamin D LIQUID products marketed as nutritional supplements for vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength | |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| |Manufacturer | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | | | | |
|Aciferol D3 (colecalciferol) |Rhodes Pharma |Sunflower oil, sweet orange essential oil, medium chain triglycerides, palm oil, vitamin E (DL Alpha Tocopherol). |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Liquid: 2000 IU/mL, | | | | |
|3000 IU/mL (44) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Baby D (colecalciferol) |Kora Healthcare |Vitamin E and miglyol (derived from coconut and palm kernel). |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 1000 IU/mL (62) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Baby E-D3 |Ennogen |Medium chain triglycerides (coconut source), DL alpha tocopherol (antioxidant). |x? |x? |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 1000 IU/mL (49) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Eciferol D2 (ergocalciferol) |Rhodes Pharma |Sunflower oil, sweet orange essential oil, MCT oil, DI-alpha-tocopherol. |✓ |✓ |
| | | | | |
|Liquid: 3000 IU/mL (44) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
|E-D3 (colecalciferol) |Ennogen |Medium chain triglycerides, DL alpha tocopherol, orange favour |✓ |x** |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 15000 IU/ 5mL | | | | |
|Oral Drops: 2000 IU/mL (49) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Kora LiquiD (colecalciferol) |Kora Healthcare |Vitamin E and miglyol (derived from coconut and palm kernel). |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 3000 IU/mL (62) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Pro D3 (colecalciferol) |Synergy Biologics |Forte liquid, oral drops and liquid: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Sunflower seed oil, orange flavour, medium chain triglycerides, DL-alpha tocopherol | | |
|Liquid: 2000 IU/mL | | | | |
|Oral drops: 400 IU/ 4 drops | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Forte liquid: 3000 IU/mL | | | | |
|Vegan liquid: 2000 IU/mL | | | | |
|Vegan drops: 400 IU/4 drops | | | | |
|(56;57) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Vegan liquid and vegan drops: |✓ |✓ |
| | |Sunflower seed oil, orange flavour, fractionated coconut oil, D-alpha tocopherol. | | |
| | | | | |
|Solgar vitamin D3 drops (colecalciferol) |Solgar Vitamin and |Sunflower seed oil, natural orange flavour |✓ |x ** |
| |Herb UK | | | |
|Liquid: 2500 IU/0.5mL (58) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|SunVit D3 (colecalciferol) |Sunvit D3Ltd |Sunflower seed oil, orange oil, D-alpha tocopherol acetate oil. |✓ |x ** |
| | | | | |
|Oral drops: 100 IU/drop | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Oral solution: 2000 IU/mL, 3000 IU/mL | | | | |
|(60;61) | | | | |
Table 5. Suitability of other vitamin D TABLETS and CAPSULES available for purchase as nutritional supplements, in vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength | |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| |Manufacturer | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | | | | |
|Boots Pharmaceuticals |Boots Pharmaceuticals |Calcium carbonate, cellulose, maltodextrin, acacia, sucrose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide. |✓ |x ** |
|Max Strength Vitamin D | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 75μg (3000 IU) (63;64) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Boots Pharmaceuticals |Boots Pharmaceuticals |Calcium carbonate, cellulose, maltodextrin, dried corn syrup, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, antioxidants (sodium |✓ |✓ |
|Vegan Vitamin D3 | |ascorbate, tocopherol). | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 25μg (1000 IU) (63;64) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Boots Pharmaceuticals |Boots Pharmaceuticals |Calcium carbonate, cellulose, maltodextrin, acacia, sucrose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, triglycerides, |✓ |x ** |
|Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) | |antioxidant (tocopherol). | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 10μg (400 IU), | | | | |
|25μg (1000 IU) (63;64) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Boots Pharmaceuticals |Boots Pharmaceuticals |Glucose syrup (sulphites), sucrose (sulphites), purified water, gelatin (sulphites), sweetener (sorbitol), apple juice |x * |x * |
|Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) | |concentrate, acid (citric acid), flavour (natural blackcurrant), lecithin (soybean), glazing agent (carnauba wax, vegetable | | |
| | |oil), sunflower oil, colour (vegetable carbon, carmine). | | |
|Adult gummies: | | | | |
|25μg (1000 IU) (63;64) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Health Aid Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |HealthAid Limited |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, sucrose, acacia, corn, starch, medium chain triglycerides, dl-alpha tocopherol, | | |
|Tablets: 500 IU, 1000 IU | |silicon dioxide, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate. | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: | | | | |
|5000 IU, 10 000 IU, 20 000 IU | | | | |
| | | | | |
|(65;66) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |5000 IU capsules: | | |
| | |Maltodextrin, vegetable cellulose | | |
| | | | | |
| | |10 000 IU and 20 000 IU capsules: | | |
| | |Sunflower seed oil, modified starch, glycerol, carrageenan, sodium carbonate, medium chain triglycerides, dl-alpha tocopherol. | | |
| | | | | |
|Health Aid Vitamin D |HealthAid Limited |Maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, vegetable stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate. |✓ |✓ |
|(ergocalciferol) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 500 IU (65;66) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Holland and Barrett Mushroom Vegan Vitamin |Holland and Barrett |Brown rice flour, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, dextrose, organic mushroom powder, sunflower |✓ |✓ |
|D (ergocalciferol) | |oil. | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 25mcg (1000 IU) (67) | | | | |
| | |Sucrose, glucose Syrup, pectin, citric acid, lactic acid, sodium citrate), apple juice concentrate, strawberry juice | | |
|Holland and Barrett Vegetarian Vitamin D |Holland and Barrett |concentrate, vitamin C (as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols, salad oil), natural strawberry |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | |flavouring (flavouring substances and preparations, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol), colour (black carrot juice concentrate), | | |
| | |coconut oil, carnauba wax), natural raspberry flavouring, sunflower seed oil. | | |
|Gummies: 25mcg (1000 IU) (67) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Holland and Barrett Vitamin D3 |Holland and Barrett |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | |Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, acacia gum, sucrose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, starch, vitamin E | | |
| | |(dl-alpha tocopherol), tricalcium phosphate. | | |
|Tablets: 10mcg (400 IU), 25mcg (1000 IU) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Vegetarian Capsules: 400 IU (67) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Vegetarian capsules: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Sunflower seed oil, modified corn starch, glycerol, carrageenan, sodium carbonate, medium chain triglycerides, Vitamin E (as | | |
| | |dl-alpha tocopherol). | | |
| | | | | |
|Lloyds Pharmacy Bone Health Adult Vitamin D|Lloyds |Calcium carbonate, cellulose, maltodextrin, acaciq, sucrose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, triglycerides, |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | |tocopherol. | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 25mcg (1000 IU) (68) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Natures Aid Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |Natures Aid |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Di-calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, anticaking agents (silicon dioxide, vegetable source magnesium stearate), | | |
|Tablets: 400 IU, 1000 IU and 5000 IU | |sodium carboxymethylcellulose. | | |
| | | | | |
|Vegan Tablets: 1000 IU (69) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Vegan Tablets: |✓ |✓ |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, di-calcium phosphate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, anticaking agents (silicon dioxide, vegetable | | |
| | |source magnesium stearate). | | |
| | | | | |
|Reflex Nutrition Vitamin D3 |Reflex Nutrition |Bovine gelatin, maltodextrin, cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate. |x * |x * |
|(colecalciferol) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 2000 IU (70) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Superdrug Pharmacy Vitamin D |Superdrug Stores PLC |Calcium carbonate, cellulose, maltodextrin, acacia, sucrose, magnesium stearate, starch, silicon dioxide, triglycerides, |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | |tocopherol. | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: 12.5mcg (500 IU) (71) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Together Health Vitamin D3 Bioactive Plant |Together Health |Coconut oil, tapioca extract*, Lichen providing Vitamin D3, Vegecap (vegetable cellulose). |✓ |✓ |
|Source | | | | |
|(colecalciferol from mineral enhanced | |*Non-GMO extract used to turn oil into powder | | |
|yeast) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 1000 IU (72) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Together Health Vitamin D3 with Metabolites| |Vegecap (vegetable cellulose), lanolin. |✓ |x*** |
|(colecalciferol from mineral enhanced | | | | |
|yeast) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 1000 IU (72) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Valupak Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |BR Pharmaceuticals |Tablets: |✓ |x ** |
| | |Calcium carbonate preparation (maltodextrin), cellulose (E460 i), starch, sucrose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate and silicon | | |
|Tablets: 1000 IU | |dioxide. | | |
| | | | | |
|Capsules: 1000 IU (73) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |Capsules: |x * |x * |
| | |Calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate | | |
| | |Microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin and magnesium stearate | | |
| | | | | |
|Vitabiotics Ultra Vitamin D |Vitabiotics Limited |Microcrystalline cellulose & pregelatinated starch, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, glycerin, titanium |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | |dioxide, purified talc, magnesium stearate & silicon dioxide, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone | | |
| | | | | |
|Tablets: | | | | |
|1000 IU, 2000 IU (74) | | | | |
Table 6. Suitability of other common vitamin D LIQUID products available for purchase as nutritional supplements for vegan and vegetarian patients
|Product name & strength | |Excipients |Suitable for |Suitable for |
| |Manufacturer | |vegetarians? |vegans? |
| | | | | |
|Health Aid Vitamin D3 |HealthAid Limited |Natural Sweetener (xylitol), water, acacia gum, soy lecithin, citric acid, natural strawberry flavour, potassium sorbate. |✓ |x ** |
|(colecalciferol) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Oral drops: 200 IU/drop (65;66) | | | | |
| | | | | |
|Natures Aid Vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) |Natures Aid |Medium chain triglycerides (fractionated coconut oil) |✓ |✓ |
| | | | | |
|Oral drops: 2500 IU/0.5mL (69) | | | | |
Limitations
• This guide reflects information obtained from manufactures and aims to help healthcare professionals and individuals make decisions on suitability of products for a vegetarian and vegan diet.
• Individuals should take measures to satisfy themselves as to whether a product is suitable for their own dietary requirements, e.g. contact manufacturers for specific information.
• Manufacturers regularly change the contents of their products so it is prudent to check with the company to ensure that they are still free from animal derived ingredients.
• Information from manufacturers / suppliers of nutritional supplements may be less detailed and reliable compared to information from the licensed medicinal products. This is because they are not obliged to provide this information in the way that the manufactures of licensed medicines are.
• The licensing status of vitamin D preparations may change and the information above is only accurate at the time of writing.
• This document does not cover combination products such as calcium and vitamin D or multivitamin products.
• This is not a comprehensive list of all available vitamin D preparations. It only includes branded licensed products. Of the nutritional supplements and other products available for purchase (of which a broad range of products are marketed), it was only feasible to include a selection and those deemed most easy to access were selected for inclusion.
• This document should not be used as a sole resource.
References
1) Bulletin 120: Vitamin D prescribed as colecalciferol (D3) or ergocalciferol (D2) (SPOT-List). PrescQIPP; 2016. Accessed online via: media/1728/b120-vitamin-d-spot-list-22.pdf in August 2019
2) Vitamin D. NHS Conditions. Accessed online via: in August 2019.
(3) EVU Position Paper: Definitions of “vegan” and “vegetarian” in accordance with the EU Food Information Regulation. European Vegetarian Union; 2018. Accessed online via: in August 2019
(4) Definition of veganism. The Vegan Society. Accessed online via: go-vegan/definition-veganism in August 2019.
(5) Vitamin D. The Vegan Society. Accessed online via: in August 2019.
(6) FAQs About Vitamin D. The Vegetarian Resource Group; Date last update: July 2018. Accessed online via: in August 2019
(7) Personal communication with The Vegan Society on 7/03/2012
(8) Magnesium Stearate. In: Brayfield A, Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference; Last updated: April 2019. Accessed online via Medicines Complete on in July 2019
(9) Vitamin D supplements and tests. National Osteoporosis Society. Accessed online via: (2).pdf in August 2019
(10) Conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care: Guidance for CCGs. NHS England; 2018. Accessed online via: in August 2019.
(11) Personal communication with Colonis on 9/5/2019
(12) Summary of Product Characteristics. Aviticol 1000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 06/04/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Colonis Pharma Limited
(13) Summary of Product Characteristics. Aviticol 20000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 06/04/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Colonis Pharma Limited.
(14) Summary of Product Characteristics. Aviticol 800 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 06/04/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Colonis Pharma Limited.
(15) Summary of Product Characteristics. Desunin 4000 IU Tablets. Date of revision of text: 08/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Mylan.
(16) Summary of Product Characteristics. Desunin 800 IU Tablets. Date of revision of text: 08/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Mylan
(17) Personal communications with Mylan on 17/06/19
(18) Personal communication with Thornton & Ross Ltd on 5/1/17 and 25/4/19
(19) Summary of Product Characteristics. Fultium-D3 800 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 09/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Internis Pharmaceuticals.
(20) Summary of Product Characteristics. Fultium-D3 3200 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 09/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Internis Pharmaceuticals.
(21) Summary of Product Characteristics. Fultium-D3 20000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 09/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Internis Pharmaceuticals.
(22) Personal communication with Consilient Health on 24/04/19
(23) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 800 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 23/12/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(24) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 400 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 01/07/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd
(25) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 5600 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 01/07/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(26) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 50000 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 21/07/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(27) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 25000 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 01/07/2016. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(28) Personal communication with Accord-UK Ltd on 10/05/19
(29) Summary of Product Characteristics. Plenachol D3 20000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 02/07/2019. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Accord-UK Ltd.
(30) Summary of Product Characteristics. Plenachol D3 40000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 02/07/2019. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Accord-UK Ltd.
(31) Personal communication with Kyowa Kirin Ltd on 25/04/19
(32) Summary of Product Characteristics. Stexerol-D3 1000 and 25 000 IU Capsules. Date of revision of text: 09/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Kyowa Kirin Ltd.
(33) Personal communication with Strides Pharma UK Ltd on 05/07/19
(34) Summary of Product Characteristics. Strivit-D3 800 IU Soft Capsules. Date of revision of text: 25/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Strides Pharma UK Ltd.
(35) Summary of Product Characteristics. Fultium-D3 Drops. Date of revision of text: 07/08/2015. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Internis Pharmaceuticals.
(36) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 2400 IU/mL Oral Drops, Solution. Date of revision of text: 28/01/2015. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(37) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 50000 IU/mL Oral Solution. Date of revision of text: 07/07/2015. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(38) Summary of Product Characteristics. InVita-D3 25000 IU/mL Oral Solution. Date of revision of text: 02/05/2017. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Consilient Health Ltd.
(39) Personal communication with Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals Ltd on 15/05/19
(40) Summary of Product Characteristics. Sapvit-D3 14400 IU/mL Oral Drops, Solution. Date of revision of text: 01/2017. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(41) Personal communications with Almac Group (on behalf of Galen Limited), 14/05/19.
(42) Summary of Product Characteristics. Thorens 10000 IU/mL Oral Drops, Solution. Date of revision of text: 01/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(43) Summary of Product Characteristics. Thorens 25000 IU/2.5mL Oral Solution. Date of revision of text: 01/01/2018. Accessed via .uk in July 2019. Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
(44) Personal communication with Rhodes Pharma on 10/06/19
(45) Personal communication with Pharma Nord Specials UK on 15/05/19
(46) Vitamin D3 Supplements. Pharma Nord. Accessed online via: in July 2019
(47) Cubicole D3 Products. Cubic Pharmaceuticals. Accessed online via: in July 2019
(48) Cubicole D3 tablets consumer advice leaflet. Advice for consumer. Version 005 and Version 006 Cubic Pharmaceuticals
(49) Personal communication with Ennogen Healthcare on 06/09/19
(50) Ergoral D2 Products. Cubic Pharmaceuticals. Accessed online via: in July 2019
(51) Personal communication with Huxley Europe on 29/05/19
(52) HuxD3. Huxley Europe. Accessed online via: huxley-europe.co.uk/huxd3 in July 2019
(53) Personal communication with Lamberts Healthcare Limited on 29/05/19
(54) Vitamin D. Lamberts Healthcare. Accessed online via: lambertshealthcare.co.uk/vitamin-d/ in September 2019
(55) Personal communication with Rhodes Pharma on 04/06/19
(56) Personal communication with Synergy Biologics on 04/06/19
(57) Products. ProD3. Accessed online via: prod3.co.uk in July 2019
(58) Personal communication with Solgar Vitamin & Herb UK on 16/05/19
(59) Bone & Joint. Solgar. Accessed online via: solgar.co.uk/health-categories/bone-joint/ in July 2019
(60) Personal communication with SunVit D3 Ltd on 24/04/19
(61) Products. SunVit-D3. Accessed online via: sunvitd3.co.uk in July 2019.
(62) Personal communications with Kora Healthcare on 11/06/19
(63) Personal communication with Boots on 30/05/19
(64) Vitamin D. Boots UK. Accessed online via: in July 2019
(65) Personal communication with Healthaid Ltd on 24/04/19
(66) Vitamins. HealthAid. Accessed online via: healthaid.co.uk in August 2019.
(67) Vitamin D. Holland and Barrett. Accessed online via: shop/vitamins-supplements/vitamins/vitamin-d/ in August 2019
(68) Bones. Lloyds Pharmacy. Accessed online via: en/vitamins-supplements/bones#first in July 2019.
(69) Vitamins. Natures Aid. Accessed online via: naturesaid.co.uk/vitamins.html in August 2019.
(70) Vitamin D3. Reflex Nutrition. Accessed online via: products/vitamin-d3 in August 2019.
(71) Vitamin D. Superdrug. Accessed online via: in August 2019.
(72) Vitamin D3. Together Health. Accessed online via: togetherhealth.co.uk/products/vitamin-d3 in August 2019.
(73) Personal communication with BR Pharmaceuticals on 18/06/19
(74) Vitamin D. Vitabiotics. in August 2019
Search strategy
• BNF, Martindale, PrescQIPP, NHS England & NHS Clinical Commissioners, NHS website
• Manufacturers websites, SPC’s and Personal Communications
• Internet Searches via Google
• Clinical experts/ professional bodies (European Vegetarian Union, The Vegetarian Resource Group, National Osteoporosis Society)
Quality Assurance
Prepared by
Shabnam Sobhdam, London Medicines Information Service (Northwick Park Hospital)
Date Prepared
September 2019
Checked by
Sheena Vithlani
Date of check
December 2019
Email contact
Lnwh-tr.medinfo@
-----------------------
Medicines Q&As
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