Vegan Supplements, What to Look Out For
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Vegan-friendly is easy to claim and surprisingly easy to get wrong. Here's what to actually check before assuming a supplement fits.
Common non-vegan ingredients hidden in supplements
- Gelatin capsules, made from animal collagen, used in a large share of standard capsules and softgels
- Vitamin D3, often sourced from lanolin, sheep's wool grease, rather than a plant or lichen source
- Omega-3s sourced from fish oil rather than algae
- Some magnesium stearate and glycerin sources, which can be either plant or animal derived depending on manufacturing
Why liquid formats often avoid these issues by default
A liquid supplement has no capsule shell to worry about, removing one of the most common non-vegan ingredients automatically. That said, this doesn't guarantee every individual ingredient inside is vegan, sourcing still needs to be checked nutrient by nutrient.
What vegan-friendly should actually mean on a label
A genuine vegan claim should hold for every ingredient in the formula, not just the obvious ones. That includes any vitamin D3, ideally sourced from lichen rather than lanolin, any omega sourcing, and any capsule or coating material if one is used.
How to vet a brand's vegan claims
- Check whether vitamin D3 sourcing is specified, lichen-sourced is vegan, lanolin-sourced is not
- Look for algae-based omega sourcing rather than fish oil
- Confirm there's no gelatin in the capsule or coating, if applicable
- Be cautious of brands that say vegan-friendly without listing sourcing details anywhere
Absorble's Daily Shot and Evening Shot are both vegan-friendly, including the vitamin D3 and the plant-derived phospholipids that form the liposomes, and as liquids there is no capsule shell. B12, iodine and vitamin D are nutrients vegans often need to plan for, and the Daily Shot contains all three. See every ingredient on our ingredients page.
Key takeaway
Vegan-friendly claims are only as good as the sourcing behind them. A quick check of vitamin D3 and omega sourcing tells you most of what you need to know.
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This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a new supplement.
