Vitamin D3 from lanolin

Lanolin is a well-known ingredient in natural cosmetics and is the most commonly used raw material for the production of vitamin D in dietary supplements. Vitamin D is formed by exposing the fat from sheep's wool (lanolin) to ultraviolet light. No sheep need to be killed for lanolin, only sheared. Therefore, lanolin is often considered vegetarian but, strictly speaking, not vegan.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be used directly by our body and is therefore more efficient than the plant-based form of D2 (ergocalciferol).

Regarding absorption and efficacy, there is no difference between D3 from lanolin or D3 from other sources such as cod liver oil, lichens, and some mushrooms. Of these sources, D3 from lanolin is the cheapest and easiest for the manufacturer to dose. In fact, many cod liver oil supplements are supplemented with vitamin D3 from lanolin.

Vitamin D from lanolin is found in nearly all multivitamins. If a product does not specify the raw material of the D3, you can assume it is lanolin. The other sources are always mentioned, partly because people can be allergic to fish and therefore also to cod liver oil, or because the manufacturer wants to clarify that the supplement is suitable for vegans.