Check Source RequiredCategory: supplement, additiveReviewed: Aug 24, 2026

Vitamin D3

Standard commercial Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by extracting 7-dehydrocholesterol from the greasy lanolin oil of sheep's wool and exposing it to ultraviolet light, making conventional D3 animal-derived. However, modern 100% vegan Vitamin D3 sustainably harvested from wild-grown lichens (such as Cladonia rangiferina / reindeer lichen) or algae is identical in bioavailability and completely cruelty-free.

Vegan Status Breakdown

Standard commercial Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by extracting 7-dehydrocholesterol from the greasy lanolin oil of sheep's wool and exposing it to ultraviolet light, making conventional D3 animal-derived. However, modern 100% vegan Vitamin D3 sustainably harvested from wild-grown lichens (such as Cladonia rangiferina / reindeer lichen) or algae is identical in bioavailability and completely cruelty-free.

Biological Origin & Animal Source:

Sheep's wool grease (lanolin)

Common Synonyms, E-Numbers & Trade Names:

cholecalciferollanolin d3lichen d3vegan cholecalciferolvitamin d

Hidden & Derivative Names to Watch Out For:

cholecalciferolvitamin d3 from lanolinirradiated 7-dehydrocholesterolcalciferol

Check products containing Vitamin D3

Paste your full ingredient label into our free auditor.

Test in Is It Vegan?Open Label Checker

Common Uses & Applications

•Fortification of breakfast cereals, orange juices, and plant milks
•Daily multivitamin and bone health dietary supplements
•Calcium absorption support formulations

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Standard reference data via USDA FoodData Central

Analyze in Nutrition Calculator →

0

Calories (kcal)

0g

Protein

0g

Carbohydrates

0g

Total Fat

0.9g

Dietary Fiber

Explore Related Ingredients

Agar-agar

✓ Vegan

Agave Syrup

✓ Vegan

Albumin

✗ Non-Vegan

Almonds

✓ Vegan

Apple Cider Vinegar

✓ Vegan

Aquafaba

✓ Vegan

Scientific & Regulatory Authority Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is standard Vitamin D3 in fortified cereal not vegan?
Most mainstream breakfast cereals (like Kellogg's) fortify their flakes with lanolin-derived Vitamin D3 extracted from sheep wool grease. Unless a cereal is explicitly labeled vegan or uses Vitamin D2, it is non-vegan.
What is the difference between Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 for vegans?
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is naturally fungal-derived (UV-irradiated yeast and mushrooms) and is always 100% vegan. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more potent at raising and sustaining blood serum 25(OH)D levels; vegans can take lichen-derived D3 for maximum efficacy.
How can I tell if a Vitamin D3 supplement is vegan?
Look for explicit labeling stating 'Lichen-derived D3', 'Algae-derived D3', or certification seals from The Vegan Society or Certified Vegan Organization.