Medicines Q&As
Q&A 387.2
Which vitamin D preparations are suitable for a vegetarian or vegan
diet?
Prepared by UK Medicines Information (UKMi) pharmacists for NHS healthcare professionals
Before using this Q&A, read the disclaimer at www.ukmi.nhs.uk/activities/medicinesQAs/default.asp
Date prepared: 18th March 2013
This is a partial update of the previous document written in March 2012. Please refer to dates documented in
reference list for when information was confirmed with manufacturers.
Background
The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as “someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts,
seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does
not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or by-products of slaughter”. There are three different
types of vegetarians; the most common vegetarian diet includes both dairy products and eggs, less
common are vegetarians that eat dairy products but avoid eggs and vegans are the strictest
vegetarians as they do not eat dairy products, eggs or any other products which are derived from
animals. Some people may be vegetarian for religious reasons (1).
Vitamin D deficiency in the UK population has been an increasing cause of concern in recent years,
with deficiency linked to health problems such as rickets in children and osteoporosis and fractures in
adults. A substantial number of patients are either being treated or supplemented with vitamin D
products in the form of colecalciferol or ergocalciferol. Increasing number of patients seek advice from
healthcare professionals on the origins of active ingredients and excipients used in medication, with a
view to establish suitability of medication for their dietary requirements. A large variety of vitamin D
products are available in the UK including unlicensed products, specials and nutritional supplements,
making information on suitability for vegans and vegetarians difficult to obtain and time consuming.
Answer
Ergocalciferol is derived from a common plant steroid, ergosterol, whereas colecalciferol is produced
from the precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is most commonly derived from an animal source
such as sheep’s wool fat (2,3). Colecalciferol products derived from wool fat are not acceptable to
vegans and may also be unacceptable to vegetarians if the wool fat is from slaughtered animals (3).
Other excipients such as magnesium stearate should also be taken into account when considering
the suitability of products in vegetarians and vegans as it can be produced from either a vegetable or
animal source.
The table below is based on a document highlighting available vitamin D products in the UK and gives
information from the manufacturers or importers regarding the suitability of such products in vegans
and vegetarians (4). Every effort has been made to ensure information has been correct at the time of
writing, however manufacturers regularly change the contents of their products so it is prudent to
check with them or the supplier to ensure that they are still free from animal derived ingredients. In
some cases the suitability of products for vegetarians could not be established as the source of
colecalciferol could not be verified (i.e. it is unknown if the wool fat is derived from live or slaughtered
animals); this has been highlighted in the tables below.
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
1
Medicines Q&As
Suitability of vitamin D tablets & capsules in vegans and vegetarians (preparations listed in alphabetical order)
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Aciferol D3
(colecalciferol) 1000
IU, 5000 IU, 10 000 IU,
20 000 IU, 30 000 IU,
50 000 IU tablets (5)
Available from Fontus
Health via normal
wholesaler routes
Licensing status
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Excipients
Strengths 1000 IU – 20 000 IU:
Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium
phosphate dihydrate, stearic acid,
magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide,
cross linked carboxymethyl cellulose
sodium
Strengths 30 000 IU – 50 000 IU:
maltodextrin powder, vegi capsule
Suitable for
vegetarians?
✓
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
BioLife Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 25μg
(1000 IU) tablets (6)
Available for purchase only
from
www.lifestylenaturalhealth.c
o.uk
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Xylitol, natural blackcurrant flavour,
silica, vegetable magnesium stearate,
acacia gum, corn starch, DL-alpha
tocopherol
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Bio-Vitamin D3 1000
IU, 5000 IU, 20 000 IU
capsules (7)
Available from Pharma
Nord via normal
wholesalers
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Olive oil, gelatine, glycerol, purified
water
X (gelatin is halal and
kosher compliant)
x
Boots Pharmaceuticals
Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 25μg
(1000 IU) tablets (8)
Available for purchase only
from Boots
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Calcium carbonate, cellulose,
maltodetrin, acacia, sucrose, maize
starch, magnesium stearate, silicon
dioxide, triglycerides, antioxidant
(tocopherol)
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
2
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Colecalciferol 1000 IU,
20 000 IU capsules (9)
Available from Ambe
Medical Group via normal
wholesaler routes
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Rice Flour
Magnesium Stearate
Hypromellose Shell
Colecalciferol capsules
50 000 IU (10)
Available from UL
medicines, tel. 01923 204
333
Microcrystalline cellulose, silica,
gelatin
Colecalciferol capsules
50 000 IU (Biotech)
(11)
Available from Mawdsleys,
tel. 01302 553 000
ColeVit D3
(colecalciferol) 1000
IU, 5000 IU, 10 000 IU,
20 000 IU, 30 000 IU,
50 000 IU capsules
(12)
Available from Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, tel.
0845 170 5566
Does not have a UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in the US.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a US
nutritional supplement.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Sterling
Pharmaceuticals.
Dekristol
(colecalciferol)
capsules 20 000 IU
capsules (13)
Available from
Pharmarama, tel. 0208 238
6770;
IDIS world medicines, tel.
01932 824 100;
Martindale
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 0800
028 7933;
UL medicines, tel. 01923
204 333
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by MIBE
Pharmaceuticals,
Germany.
Medium-chain triglycerides, groundnut
oil, α-tocopherol, glycerol 5%, gelatine
Licensing status
Excipients
Microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin
Modified food starch, sucrose,
medium chain triglycerides, Dl-alpha
tocopherol, sodium ascorbate, silicon
dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose,
magnesium stearate 1%, HPMC
capsule shells
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
Suitable for
vegetarians?
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from live sheep’s wool
fat – may be acceptable
to vegetarians
x
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
x
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
x
x
3
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Desunin (colecalciferol)
800 IU tablets (14)
Available via normal
wholesaler routes
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
Drisdol (ergocalciferol)
50 000 IU capsules
(13)
Available from
Pharmarama, tel. 0208 238
6770; IDIS world
medicines, tel. 01932 824
100; UL medicines. tel.
01923 204 3333
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by Sanofi
Aventis, US.
Ergocalciferol 50 000
IU capsules (9)
Available from Ambe
Medical Group via normal
wholesaler routes
Fultium D3
(colecalciferol) 800 IU
capsules (15,16)
Holland and Barrett
Sunvite vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 25μg
(1000 IU) caplets (17)
Licensing status
Excipients
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
Pregelatinzed maize starch, isomalt
(E953), magnesium stearate, sucrose,
sodium ascorbate, triglycerides,
medium chain, silica, colloidal
anhydrous, sodium starch octenyl
succinate (E1450), all-rac-alphatocopherol
FD&C blue #1, FD&C yellow #5,
gelatin, glycerin, parabens, soybean
oil
Colecalciferol is derived
from healthy live
sheep’s wool fat – may
be acceptable to
vegetarians
x
x
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Magnesium Stearate
Hypromellose Shell
✓
x
Available via normal
wholesaler routes
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
Arachis oil, butylhydroxytoluene,
glycerol, purified water, brilliant blue,
gelatine
x (gelatin is halal and
kosher compliant)
x
Available for purchase only
from Holland and Barrett
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline
cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic
acid, gelatine, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose, starch, corn
oil, sucrose, vitamin E (as mixed
tocopherols), glycerine, sodium citrate
[contains soya or an ingredientderived
from soya]
x
x
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
4
Medicines Q&As
Manufacturer/
distributors
Nature’s Remedy
Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol)
1000 IU, 10 000 IU
tablets (18)
Available for purchase only
from
www.naturesremedy.co.uk
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Dicalcium phosphate
Osto D2
(ergocalciferol) 50,000
IU capsules (100
capsules) (19)
Available from
Pharmarama tel. 0208 238
6770
Soybean oil, gelatin NF, glycerine,
purified water
Plenachol
(colecalciferol)
20,000 IU, 100 000 IU
capsules
(30 capsules) (20)
Available from Encap Drug
Delivery Limited, tel. 01506
448 080 / Oxford Pharmacy
Stores, tel. 01865 321 085
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by Triton
Pharma, Canada.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Encap drug
delivery
Medium-chain triglycerides, butylated
hydroxyanisole, colloidal anhydrous
silica, hypromellose, gellan gum,
sodium citrate
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
ProD3 (colecalciferol)
400 IU, 1000 IU, 2500
IU, 10 000 IU, 20 000
IU, 30 000 IU capsules
(21)
Available from AAH
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 024
7643 2000
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Microcrystalline cellulose,
magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose
x
Solgar Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 25μg
(1000 IU) softgels (22)
Available for purchase only
from www.solgar.co.uk
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Safflower oil, gelatin, glycerine
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Licensing status
Excipients
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
Product name &
strength
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
x
x
5
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
SunVit D3
(colecalciferol) 1000 IU
tablets (23)
Available for purchase only
from www.sunvitd3.co.uk
Vegan Vitamin D2
(ergocalciferol) 800 IU,
2400 IU tablets (24)
Available for purchase only
from
http://www.devanutrition.co
m/
Vegetarian
colecalciferol capsules
50 000 IU (Biotech)
(11)
Licensing status
Excipients
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline
cellulose, silicium dioxide, magnesium
stearate
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
Plant cellulose, stearic acid,
croscarmellose sodium, vegetable
stearate, dicalcium phosphate, silicon
dioxide
✓
✓
Available from Mawdsleys,
tel. 01302 553 000
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a US
nutritional supplement.
Microcrystalline cellulose, silica,
hypromellose
x
Vigantoletten
(colecalciferol) 500 IU,
1000 IU tablets (13)
Available from IDIS world
medicines, tel. 01932 824
100
Colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch,
carboxymethyl starch sodium, talcum,
glycerol tristearate, cellulose,
mannitol, gelatine, sucrose, soya oil,αtocopherol
Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 1000
IU, 2000 IU, 5000 IU
microtablets (25)
Available for purchase only
from www.vitamind3uk.com
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by Merck
Pharmaceuticals,
Germany.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium
phosphate, silicon dioxide,
croscarmellose sodium,
magnesium stearate
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
x
6
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Vitamin D3 1000 IU
capsules (26)
UL Medicines. Tel 01923
204 333
Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 5000 IU
capsules (10)
Available from UL
medicines, tel. 01923 204
333
Vitashine Vegan
Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol) 5000 IU
capsules (27)
Available for purchase only
from http://www.vitashined3.com/
Licensing status
Excipients
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable
for
vegans?
x
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a US
nutritional supplement.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in the US.
Microcrystalline cellulose, gelatine
capsule
X (gelatin is Kosher and
Halal approved)
Microcrystalline cellulose, silica,
gelatine
x
x
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Sunflower oil, vitamin D3 rich lichen
extract, natural vitamin E (soyderived), vegetarian capsule shell
(modified potato starch, vegan
glycerol, eucheuma seaweed, mono
and diglycerides of fatty acids, glazing
agent (carnauba wax))
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from an organic plant
source
✓
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
✓
✓
Suitability of vitamin D liquids in vegans and vegetarians (preparations listed in alphabetical order)
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Abidec® multivitamin
drops containing
ergocalciferol 400 IU
per 0.6mL (28,29)
Available from Chefaro UK
Ltd. via normal wholesaler
routes
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
Excipients
Sodium hydroxide, sugar (mineral
water grade), refined peanut oil,
polysorbate 60, purified water, nitrogen
- oxygen free
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
7
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Baby D oral solution
(colecalciferol)
200 IU/0.2mL (30)
Available from KoRa
Healthcare via normal
wholesalers
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as nutritional
supplement.
Miglyol 810N oil
Colecalciferol liquid
1000 IU/5 mL (31)
Available from Martindale
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 0800
028 7933
Sunflower oil
Colecalciferol liquid
600 IU/mL (31)
Available from Martindale
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 0800
028 7933
Colecalciferol liquid
3000 IU/mL (31)
Available from Martindale
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 0800
028 7933
Colecalciferol liquid
3000 IU/mL (32)
Available from Northwick
Park Hospital, tel. 020 8869
2295
Colecalciferol liquid
3000 IU/mL (33)
Available from Quantum
Specials, tel. 01207 279
400
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Martindale.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Martindale.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Martindale.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Northwick
Park Hospital.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Quantum
Specials.
Excipients
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians.
Product is halal and
kosher approved.
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
Suitable for
vegans?
x
Sunflower oil
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Sunflower oil
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Sunflower oil
Colecalciferol is derived
from animal wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Polysorbate 80, butylated
hydroxytoluene, citric acid, sucrose,
parabens, medium chain triglycerides,
DL-alpha tocopherol
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
8
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
ColeVit D3
(colecalciferol) solution
3000 IU/mL (34)
Available from Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, tel.
0845 170 5566
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Colevit D3
(colecalciferol) solution
20 000 IU/mL (34)
Available from Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, tel.
0845 170 5566
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Dalivit® multivitamin
drops containing
ergocalciferol 400 IU
per 0.6 mL (35, 36)
Available from LPC
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. via
normal wholesaler routes
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
D Lux 400
(colecalciferol) 400 IU,
1000 IU, 3000 IU
spray (37)
Available from
www.betteryou.uk.com
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as nutritional
supplement.
Healthy Start vitamin
drops containing
colecalciferol 300 IU
per 5 drops (38)
Available from NHS
organisations i.e. PCTs
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Refined olive oil
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Refined olive oil
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
✓
✓
Purified water, xylitol (natural
sweetener), sunflower
lecithin, peppermint oil, natural
preservative: potassium sorbate
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Water, glycerol, polysorbate 80,
banana flavour
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Excipients
Sodium hydroxide, polysorbate 80 BP,
sucrose BP, E219 sodium
methylhydroxybenzoate BP, deionized
water
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
9
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Neo-D vitamin D drops
containing
colecalciferol 200 IU
per 0.25mL (39)
Available from Neoceuticals
Ltd, tel. 01904 567 608
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as nutritional
supplement.
Vitamin E and Fractionated Coconut oil
(MCT Oil)
Colecalciferol is derived
from animal wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Pro D3 (colecalciferol)
liquid 100 IU per drop
(21, 40)
Available from AAH
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 024
7643 2000
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement.
Sunflower seed oil, orange flavour
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians. Also halal
approved.
x
Pro D3 Forte Liquid
3000IU/mL (21,40)
Available from AAH
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 0855
561 8899 and Phoenix
Healthcare, tel. 01928
750552
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as a
nutritional supplement
Sunflower seed oil, orange flavour
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians. Also halal
approved.
x
Steriferol D2
(ergocalciferol)
solution 3000 IU/mL
(12,34)
Available from Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, tel.
0845 170 5566
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Refined olive oil
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
✓
Excipients
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
10
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Steriferol
(ergocalciferol)
solution 20,000 IU/mL
(12,34)
Available from Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, tel.
0845 170 5566
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured as a
special by Sterling
Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Sterogyl
(ergocalciferol) liquid
20 000 IU/mL (20mL;
contains alcohol) (41)
Available from Durbin PLC,
tel. 020 8869 6554;
UL medicines, tel. 01923
204 333
Uvestrol D
(ergocalciferol) 1500
IU/ml liquid (10)
Available from UL
medicines, tel. 01923 204
333
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by DB
Pharma, France.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in France.
Vigantol
(colecalciferol) 20,000
IU/mL oral solution
drops (13)
Available from IDIS world
medicines, tel. 01932 824
100
Vitashine Vitamin D3
(colecalciferol)1000 IU
spray (29)
Available for purchase only
from http://www.vitashined3.com/
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in Germany.
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Marketed as nutritional
supplement.
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Refined olive oil
✓
✓
Hydroquinone, ethyl alcohol, purified
water
✓
✓
Propyl gallate, sodium hydroxide,
lemon essence, edentate of sodium of
citric acid, hydrogen phosphate of
sodium dodecahydrate, sorbic acid,
saccharine sodium,
prolyoxyethylenised castor oil
(cremophor F.I), propyleneglycol,
glycerol, distilled water
Medium-chain triglycerides, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, migliol (coconut and
palm oil)
Supplier unable to
provide information
Supplier unable
to provide
information
Colecalciferol is derived
from live sheep’s wool
fat – may be acceptable
to vegetarians
x
Diglycerides of fatty acids (coconut
source), vitamin D3 rich lichen extract,
natural vitamin E (soy-derived)
✓
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
however the company
has confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
✓
Excipients
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
11
Medicines Q&As
Product name &
strength
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Zymad (colecalciferol)
drops 10 000 IU/mL
(13)
Available from IDIS world
medicines, tel. 01932 824
100;
UL Medicines, tel. 01923
204 303
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by Novartis,
France.
Excipients
Sweet orange essential oil, refined
olive oil for preparations for injection,
mixture of natural alpha-, beta-,
gamma- and delta-tocopherols
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Colecalciferol is derived
from sheep’s wool fat –
may be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
Suitability of vitamin D injections in vegans and vegetarians
Product name,
strength, and
quantity
Colecaliferol injection
300 000 IU/mL (11)
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Available from Mawdsleys,
tel. 01302 553 000
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in
Switzerland.
Medium chain triglycerides derived
from palm kernel oil or coconut oil
✓
Colecalciferol is
derived from sheep’s
wool fat – however
the company has
confirmed the
product is suitable for
vegetarians
x
Ergocalciferol injection
300 000 IU/mL,
600 000 IU/2 mL (42)
Available from Focus
Pharmaceuticals, tel. 01283
495 280
Product has UK
marketing
authorisation.
Ethyl oleate
✓
✓
Ostelin OS
(ergocalciferol)
injection 400,000
IU/2mL (10)
Available from UL
medicines, tel. 01923 204
333
Does not have UK
market authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed in Italy.
Chlorobutanol, peanut oil
Supplier unable to
provide information
Supplier unable to
provide information
Excipients
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
12
Medicines Q&As
Product name,
strength, and
quantity
Vitamin D3 Streuli
(colecaliferol) injection
300 000 IU/mL (13)
Manufacturer/
distributors
Licensing & risk
considerations
Available from IDIS world
medicines, tel. 01932 824
100
Does not have UK
marketing
authorisation.
Manufactured and
licensed by Streuli
Pharmaceuticals,
Switzerland.
Excipients
Ethanol 49% v/v
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
Suitable for
vegetarians?
Suitable for
vegans?
Colecalciferol is
derived from sheep’s
wool fat (and
produced
synthetically) – may
be unacceptable to
vegetarians
x
13
Medicines Q&As
Limitations
 Manufacturers regularly change the contents of their products so it is prudent to check with the
company to ensure that they are still free from animal derived ingredients.
 This document should not be used as a sole resource.
References
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
(32)
(33)
(34)
(35)
(36)
(37)
(38)
Vegetarian Society. What is a vegetarian?. Accessed via www.vegsoc.org on 23/01/2012.
DSM Nutritional Products. Vitamin D. Accessed via www.dsm.com on 06/03/2012.
Personal communication with Vegan Society, 07/03/2012
East and South East England specialist Pharmacy Services. Vitamin D deficiency and
insufficiency – using appropriate available products. January 2013. Accessed via
www.nelm.nhs.uk
Personal communication with Fontus Health, 31/01/2013.
Lifestyle Natural Health. BioLife vitamin D3. Accessed via www.lifestylenatural.co.uk on
26/01/2012.
Personal communication with Pharmanord, 24/01/2013.
Boots. Boots Pharmaceuticals Vitamin D 25mcg. Accessed via www.boots.com on
06/03/2012.
Personal communication with Ambe Medical Group, 25/01/2013.
Personal communication with UL Medicines, 06/03/2012.
Personal communication with Mawdsley Brooks & Co, 05/03/2012.
Personal communication with Sterling Pharmaceuticals, 06/02/2013.
Personal communication with Medical Information, IDIS World Medicines, 24/02/2012.
Personal communication with Meda, 24/01/2013.
Personal communication with Internis Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 30/01/2012.
Summary of Product Characteristics. Fultium-D3 800 IU capsules. Internis
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Date of revision of the text: 28/10/2011. Accessed via
www.emc.medicines.org.uk on 30/01/2012.
Holland & Barrett. Sunvite vitamin D3. Accessed via www.hollandandbarrett.com on
06/03/2012.
Nature’s Remedy. Vitamin D. Accessed via www.naturesremedy.co.uk on 26/01/2012.
Personal communication with Pharmarama, 05/03/2013.
Personal communication with Encap Drug Delivery/ D3-Pharma, 24/01/2013.
Personal communication with Synergy Biologics, 01/02/2012.
Solgar. Vitamin D3 Softgels 1000IU cholecalciferol. Accessed via www.solgar.com on
26/01/2012.
SunVit-D3. Accessed via www.sunvitd3.co.uk on 26/01/2012.
Deva Nutrition Products. Vegan Vitamin D – 800IU, 2400IU (ergocalciferol). Accessed via
www.devanutrition.com on 23/01/2012.
Information about Vitamin D3UK. Accessed via www.vitamind3uk.com on 24/02/2012.
Personal communication with UL Medicines, 01/02/2013.
Personal communication with medical information, Omega Pharma Uk, 03/02/2012.
Summary of product characteristics. Abidec multivitamins drops. Chefaro UK Ltd. Date of
revision of the text: 15/11/2010. Accessed via www.emc.medicines.org.uk on 12/3/12.
Vitashine. Vegan vitamin D3 supplements. Accessed via www.vitashine-d3.com on
23/01/2012.
Personal communication with KoRa Healthcare, 06/03/2012.
Personal communication with medical information. Martindale Pharma, 24/02/2012.
Personal communication with Northwick Park Hospital, 25/01/2012.
Personal communication with Quantum Pharmaceuticals, 27/02/2012.
Personal communication with Sterling Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 02/02/2012.
Personal communication with Boston Healthcare Limited, 03/02/2012.
Summary of product characteristics. Dalivit. Boston Healthcare Limited. Date of first
authorisation: 19/11/2011.
Betteryou. D Lux. Accessed via www.betteryou.com on 26/01/2012.
Patient information leaflet. Healthy Start. SSL International PLC.
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
14
Medicines Q&As
(39)
(40)
(41)
(42)
Personal communication with Neoceuticals Ltd, 31/01/2012.
Synergy Biologics. ProD3. Accessed via www.prod3.co.uk on 21/03/2013.
Personal communication with Durbin PLC, 06/03/2012.
Personal communication with medical information, Recipharm, 05/03/2012.
Quality Assurance
Prepared by
Varinder Rai, London Medicines Information Service (Northwick Park Hospital)
Date Prepared
6th March 2012 and partial update 18th February 2013
Checked by
Alexandra Denby, London Medicines Information Service (Northwick Park Hospital)
Date of check
26th April 2012 and partial update checked 8th March 2013 (Lekha Shah)
Email contact
nwlh-tr.medinfo@nhs.net
Search strategy
In-house database/ resources: MIDatabank.
Manufacturers – contacted by telephone/email: Synergy Biologics, IDIS World Medicines, Internis
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, UL Medicines, Mawdsley Brooks & Co, Martindale Pharma, KoRa Healthcare,
Sterling Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Northwick Park Hospital, Neoceuticals Ltd, Boston Healthcare Limited,
Omega Pharma Uk, Recipharm, Fontus Health, PharmaNord, Ambe Medical Group, Meda,
Pharmarama, Encap Drug Delivery/D3-Pharma.
Internet search - Vegan Society, DSM Nutritional Products, Vitamin D3UK, Deva Nutrition Products,
SunVit-D3, Boots, Nature’s Remedy, Solgar, Holland & Barrett, Lifestyle Natural Health, Vitashine,
Betteryou,
From the NHS Evidence website www.evidence.nhs.uk
15