Is Vitamin D Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is kosher, we must look beyond the vitamin itself and examine the inactive ingredients that hold it together. In the standard formulation of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the primary concern lies in the gelatin (bovine) used to create the softgel capsule.

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen. For a gelatin capsule to be kosher, the animal source must be ritually slaughtered according to Jewish law. While the label specifies bovine (cow), this does not automatically guarantee it is kosher. The cow must have been slaughtered by a shochet and the meat must be free of specific defects. Without a reliable kosher certification symbol on the bottle, the bovine gelatin renders the product questionable.

The other ingredients listed—olive oil, glycerin, and water—are generally considered kosher. However, glycerin can sometimes be derived from animal fats or fermented soy, so strict kosher consumers look for certification to ensure it is vegetable-derived. The Vitamin D3 itself is typically sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool), which is generally considered kosher as it is not a food product and does not require slaughter, but the final certification depends on the processing facility.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this specific Vitamin D formulation is quite clean. The primary carrier oil is olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet known for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. This is a superior choice compared to cheaper soybean or corn oils often found in generic supplements.

Regarding calories and macronutrients, softgels are negligible. You are typically looking at less than 5 calories per capsule, with less than 1 gram of fat. There is zero sugar and no carbohydrates, making this an excellent supplement for those on keto, diabetic, or low-calorie diets. It fits easily into any nutritional plan without impacting daily limits.