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Supplement ingredient

Vitamin D3: what it is, where it’s used, vegan or not

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the most common form of vitamin D in supplements. It is usually made from lanolin, a wax from sheep’s wool, and lichen-based D3 is also sold. Labels give the amount in micrograms or international units, and 1 mcg equals 40 IU. Bravoora shows the form and the amount as printed, and gives no dosage advice.

By Bravoora teamUpdated Sources checked 1 sourcesHow we check

Clear yellow softgel capsules scattered on white.

What is vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is one of the two main forms of vitamin D; the other is D2 (ergocalciferol). D3 in supplements is often made from lanolin, a wax from sheep’s wool, though versions made from lichen exist. Labels show the amount in micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU): 1 mcg equals 40 IU.

Where is vitamin D3 found?

  • Supplements carry it as softgels, tablets, drops and gummies.
  • Milk, breakfast cereals and spreads are often fortified with it.

What are the other names for vitamin D3 on a label?

On a label, vitamin D3 can also appear as “Cholecalciferol” or “Colecalciferol”.

CholecalciferolColecalciferol

Which diets does vitamin D3 fit?

For vitamin D3: vegan and vegetarian profiles get Heads up.

VeganHeads upD3 is often made from lanolin (sheep’s wool). Lichen-based D3 is vegan, so check the label.
VegetarianHeads upLanolin-based D3 is usually accepted by vegetarians, but softgel shells are often gelatin.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.

Does vitamin D3 fit you?

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How does Bravoora check for vitamin D3?

Bravoora shows the form and the amount exactly as printed on the label. It doesn’t give dosage advice.

How Bravoora decides, in full

More questions about vitamin D3

Who looks out for vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 matters most to anyone comparing supplement labels, and people following a vegetarian or vegan profile who want to know the source.

Is vitamin D3 vegan?

It depends. D3 is often made from lanolin (sheep’s wool). Lichen-based D3 is vegan, so check the label.

Is vitamin D3 vegetarian?

It depends. Lanolin-based D3 is usually accepted by vegetarians, but softgel shells are often gelatin.

Sources and how to cite this guide

  1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D

To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Vitamin D3: what it is, where it’s used, vegan or not”, bravoora.app/ingredients/vitamin-d3/, updated 22 September 2026.

Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.

General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.

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