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Home › Kosher vitamin guides

Kosher vitamin D: D3, D2 and vegan options

By the KosherVitamins.com team · Updated November 6, 2026

Vitamin D is one of the most common supplements in kosher homes. Here is where each form of vitamin D comes from and what that means for kashrus.

D3 vs. D2

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones, and supplements come in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Both raise vitamin D levels in the blood; D3 may raise them higher and for longer. Ask your doctor which form and amount is right for you.

Where vitamin D comes from

FormSourceKosher notes
D3 (most common)Lanolin, from sheep's woolThe OU accepts lanolin as kosher (a secretion of a living kosher animal). Some authorities are stricter. Still needs certification.
Vegan D3LichenPlant-like source, suitable for vegans. Look for a kosher symbol.
D3 from fish liver oilCod liver and other fish liver oilsNeeds kosher fish species and supervision, like fish oil; usually marked Fish.
D2UV-exposed yeast or mushroomsVegan. Look for a kosher symbol.

Is lanolin vitamin D3 kosher?

The OU follows the view that lanolin is kosher, based on the principle that what comes from a living kosher animal is kosher. The St. Louis Vaad explains that some once avoided D3 because lanolin was called "wool fat" and sounded like animal flesh, a concern that fell away once lanolin was understood to be a skin secretion. Rabbi Zushe Blech notes that some have argued lanolin should be treated as a prohibited excretion and avoid D3; vitamin D2 from yeast avoids the question, and vegan lichen D3 is another option. Lanolin and the finished vitamin still need certification.

Softgels, tablets and drops

  • Softgels are usually gelatin, so they need kosher fish or bovine gelatin, or a vegetarian softgel. See our capsule guide.
  • Tablets and chewables avoid the capsule question, but chewables are treated as food and need certification.
  • Liquid drops: liquid vitamin D preparations are often mixed with polysorbates or other emulsifiers, which the St. Louis Vaad calls extremely kosher-sensitive.
  • D3 with K2 combinations follow the same rules; check the symbol.

Checklist

  • A reliable kosher symbol on the bottle (and P for Pesach if needed).
  • Know the source: lanolin D3, lichen D3 or D2, depending on your standard and diet.
  • Kosher or vegetarian softgel, a tablet, or certified drops.

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Kosher vitamin DVitamin D3 & K2Kids' vitamin D chewables

Frequently asked questions

Is vitamin D3 kosher?

Most D3 is made from lanolin from sheep's wool. The OU accepts lanolin as kosher, though some authorities are stricter. The finished product still needs a reliable kosher symbol.

Is there a vegan kosher vitamin D?

Yes. Vitamin D2 comes from yeast or mushrooms, and vegan D3 is made from lichen. Look for a kosher symbol on the product.

Are vitamin D softgels kosher?

Softgels are usually made of gelatin. They are kosher only with kosher gelatin (such as kosher fish gelatin) or a vegetarian softgel, and a reliable kosher symbol.

More guides

Please note: this guide is general information, not a halachic ruling or medical advice. Kosher standards differ between agencies and communities, so ask your rabbi about kashrus questions and your doctor or pharmacist about health questions. Never stop or skip a prescribed medicine for kashrus reasons without talking to your doctor and your rabbi first. Questions about a product? Call us at 1-800-645-1899 or visit our Help Center.

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