We’re Supplementing With Vitamin D3 More Than Ever. The Problem? It Mostly Comes From Sheep.

Vitamin D3, essential for bone, teeth, and muscle health, is commonly supplemented due to deficiencies caused by decreased sunlight exposure and limited food sources. However, many consumers are unaware that most commercial D3 supplements come from sheep, kept in unethical conditions. As a result, a vegan source of D3, sourced from lichen, is now available in gelatin-free capsules.

In response to the demand for cruelty-free supplements, companies like Wellness Innovations are developing animal-free alternatives, such as algae-based omega-3 oils. With the European Commission requiring D3 sourced from lanolin to be labeled as a product of animal origin, the supplement industry is shifting towards more ethical and sustainable options. Furthermore, plant-based sources of D3, like fortified plant milks and cereals, offer alternatives for those seeking to avoid animal-derived products.