Is Spring Valley Cod Liver Oil plus vitamins A&D Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is Halal, we must look beyond the active ingredients and examine the inactive ingredients that form the capsule itself. In the case of Spring Valley Cod Liver Oil plus vitamins A&D, the primary concern lies in the shell of the softgel.

The ingredient list includes gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs. In the context of American supplements like Spring Valley, unless specifically labeled as 'Bovine Gelatin' or 'Fish Gelatin' with a Halal certification, it is overwhelmingly likely to be derived from pork. Pork and its byproducts are strictly Haram (forbidden) in Islam. Therefore, the presence of gelatin automatically disqualifies this product from being Halal.

Other ingredients listed include vegetable glycerin and mixed natural tocopherols. These are generally plant-derived or synthetic and are considered Halal. However, they act as solvents and preservatives and do not override the major violation caused by the gelatin capsule. The product also contains cod, which is a Halal-friendly fish, but the delivery method renders the product impermissible.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed to be a potent source of fat-soluble vitamins. It provides a significant amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which are essential for immune function and vision. Because it is an oil-based supplement, it naturally contains fats, but these are the vehicle for the vitamins rather than empty calories.

The product is generally low in sugar and carbohydrates, making it suitable for those monitoring their glycemic intake. However, the nutritional benefits do not negate the dietary restrictions regarding the source of the gelatin. While it is a healthy supplement for the general population, it does not fit the strict limits of a Halal diet due to the manufacturing process.