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What Ingredients Are in Vitamin D Supplements?

Vitamin D supplements (and fortified foods) may contain vitamin D produced from animal sources (e.g., cod-liver oil, sheep's-wool lanolin, pig or cow skin) or derived from the yeast ergosterol. Liquid vitamin D supplements may contain glycerin, which can be produced from animal fats, produced from the fermentation of sugars, or synthetically derived from propylene (a petroleum derivative). They also may contain propylene glycol (a petroleum derivative), preservatives, sweeteners, and natural or artificial flavors.

The source of vitamin D or glycerin used in a supplement or fortified food may not be labeled, which may be of concern to people preferring to consume foods and food products that are not derived from animals or that are prepared in accordance with Jewish or Islamic religious beliefs. Manufacturers may provide information about these and other product additives on request. In the US, nonprescription vitamin drops containing vitamin D also contain other vitamins unnecessary for breastfed infants (e.g., vitamins A, C, and E).