Most people check food labels but never think about the vitamins in the cupboard or the capsules from the pharmacy. Yet capsules are one of the most common places pork gelatine turns up. Here's what to look for, and how scholars view medicine you actually need.
First: medicine you need
Scholars give medicine different treatment from food. Where a medicine is needed and there is no halal alternative, scholars widely permit it on the principle of necessity, and where an alternative exists, most say to choose it. Our answer on gelatine in medicine sets out the reasoning and the references. Don't stop prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.
What you can do is ask whether an alternative exists.
Capsules
Hard and soft capsules are often made from gelatine, which can come from cattle, pigs or fish.
- Softgels (the soft, liquid-filled ones) have a shell of gelatine plus a softener, unless the pack says the shell is plant-based. See softgel capsules.
- Vegetarian capsules are made from plant cellulose (HPMC) or pullulan (E1204). Look for "veg caps", "vegetarian capsule" or a vegan logo. See vegetarian capsules.
- Tablets avoid the capsule question, though some contain magnesium stearate (E470b), whose source is not usually stated.
Gummy vitamins
Children's vitamins often come as gummies, and many are set with gelatine. Choose ones labelled halal, vegetarian or vegan, which are set with a plant gelling agent such as pectin. More in are gummy vitamins halal?
Fish oil and omega-3
The fish oil itself is not the issue. The capsule may be, unless it says fish gelatine or plant-based. See are fish oil capsules halal?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 supplements are usually made from lanolin, the grease in sheep's wool, and vegan D3 comes from lichen. Many capsules are also made with gelatine, so check the capsule as well as the vitamin. See vitamin D3.
Liquid medicines
Some cough syrups and liquid medicines contain small amounts of alcohol as a solvent. Scholars differ on medicine that contains alcohol; some allow it when it is needed and not intoxicating, and others prefer an alcohol-free version, which a pharmacist can often suggest.
What to ask the pharmacist
You don't need to explain in detail. Try:
- "Is there a version of this without animal gelatine?"
- "Do you have this as a tablet or a vegetarian capsule?"
- "Is there an alcohol-free version?"
For prescriptions, your GP may be able to prescribe a different brand of the same medicine if one exists.
Supplements to double-check
Collagen, chondroitin and some protein powders come from animal sources. Look for the source on the label, or a halal logo. See also is whey protein halal?
Common questions
Are hospital medicines halal? Hospitals use what is clinically needed. If a medicine has an animal-derived ingredient and there is no suitable alternative, scholars widely permit it on the principle of necessity. You can always ask the ward pharmacist whether an alternative exists.
Is gelatine in a capsule really a problem if I don't chew it? Swallowing a capsule is generally treated as consuming it, which is why many people choose vegetarian capsules when they're available.
