Identifying whether vitamins are vegan or not is difficult.
The difficulty is caused by complex ingredient names and opaque processing methods characteristic of supplements, which are not FDA approved.
In this article will uncover the truth about Nature Made B12 vitamins and support you, our reader, in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Is Nature Made B12 Vegan?
Nature Made makes three B12 supplements: a chewable gummy, a softgel, and a fast dissolving tablet.
The tablet is vegan. It contains no animal ingredients.
The gummy and the softgel are not vegan. They both contain gelatin, which is derived from animal products.
Is Nature Made B12 Cruelty-Free?
No, Nature Made B12 supplements are not cruelty-free. Nature Made uses GMO ingredients, which are tested on animals. Nothing that is GMO can be considered cruelty-free.
What Are Nature Made B12 Gummies Made Of?
Below is a list of the ingredients in Nature Made B12 Gummies:
- Vitamin B12
- Glucose syrup
- Sugar
- Water
- Gelatin
- Citric acid
- Pectin
- Palm oil
- Colors
- Natural flavors
- Carnauba wax
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system and red blood cell formation. It can be sourced from animal products, which would make it non-vegan. However, Nature Made gets its B12 from cyanocobalamin, which is a vegan source.
Gelatin
Gelatin is made from animal bones and skin. It is not vegan.
Glucose syrup
Glucose syrup is a sweetener used in foods and supplements. It is derived from starches, such as corn, wheat, or potatoes, and is generally considered vegan because it is plant based. It is, however, GMO in this context.
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetening agent. It can be vegan, but sometimes it is processed using bone char from animals, making it non-vegan. The source and processing method of the sugar in Nature Made B12 Gummies are not specified, so it’s uncertain whether it’s vegan.
Water
Water is a universal solvent and is vegan.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a natural acid extracted from starches, usually corn. It’s vegan but GMO.
Pectin
Pectin is a substance used to thicken and stabilize products. It is derived from fruits, making it vegan.
Palm oil
Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. It is plant based and technically vegan, but its production has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and other environmental issues.
Colors
Colors added to food and supplements can be either synthetic or derived from natural sources. Some natural colors are derived from animals, and without specific information, it’s uncertain whether the colors added are vegan. Synthetic colors are also tested on animals.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Without further information, it’s uncertain whether the natural flavors in Nature Made B12 Gummies are vegan.
Carnauba wax
Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm and is considered vegan.
Nature Made B12 Varieties
Are Nature Made B12 Fast Dissolve Tablets Vegan?
Yes, Nature Made B12 fast dissolve tablets are vegan. Hooray! They’re still not cruelty-free, though, because they’re GMO.
Are Nature Made B12 Softgels Vegan?
No, Nature Made’s B12 Softgels contain gelatin. They’re not suitable for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Nature Made B12
The market offers a variety of vegan B12 supplements that are not only animal-friendly but also effective in maintaining your B12 levels. Here are some examples of brands that offer vegan B12 supplements:
- Vimergy: Known for its Liquid B12 supplement, Vimergy offers a vegan-friendly option for B12 supplementation.
- Future Kind: Future Kind offers a Vegan B12 Spray that is convenient and effective.
- Ora Organics: Ora Organics Buzzy B12 is a chewable vegan supplement, making it a friendly option for those who prefer not to swallow pills.
- Mary Ruth Organics: They offer Vegan Vitamin D3+B12 Gummy Supplements, providing a tasty and animal-free way to get your vitamins.
Conclusion
Neither the Nature Made B12 gummies nor the softgels are vegan or cruelty-free. If you’re okay with GMO food ingredients, the dissolving tablets from Nature Made are vegan, so you can give those a try.
However, there are numerous vegan and cruelty-free alternatives available that provide the essential vitamin B12 without compromising ethical and environmental standards.
Your commitment to a vegan lifestyle and the health of the planet is not only commendable but also achievable with the right choices and information.