Vitamin D3 from wool fat

Wool fat 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 harmed for wool fat; they only need to be sheared. Therefore, wool fat is often considered vegetarian but, strictly speaking, not vegan.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be directly utilised by our bodies, making it more efficient than the plant-based form D2 (ergocalciferol).

There is no difference in absorption and efficacy between D3 from wool fat and D3 from other sources such as cod liver oil, lichens, and certain mushrooms. Among these sources, D3 from wool fat is the cheapest and easiest for manufacturers to dose. In fact, many cod liver oil supplements are supplemented with vitamin D3 from wool fat.

Virtually all multivitamins contain vitamin D from wool fat. If a product does not specify the source of the D3, you can assume that it is wool fat. Other sources are always mentioned, particularly because some individuals may be allergic to fish and, consequently, to cod liver oil, or because the manufacturer wants to clarify that the supplement is suitable for vegans.