The Orthodox Union defines kosher as fit or proper for consumption according to Jewish dietary law. Kosher products must be made on kosher machinery. Kosher certification agencies have declared a number of vitamin brands as acceptable. Rabbi Dovid Heber from kosher certifier Star-K writes that as long as the primary and filler ingredients are kosher, overall product certification is not necessary. Star-K and other kosher certifiers have published lists of approved vitamins and minerals to assist Jews who keep kosher.
Freeda
Kosher law forbids the use of meat and dairy in the same application. Not only does this apply to prepared food, but also to nutritional supplements. Freeda brand vitamins are kosher certified and free of dairy and animal products, as well as artificial colors and flavors. Freeda makes 27 types of multivitamins, nine prenatal formulas, and six children's varieties. It also produces 144 different herbal, mineral, nutritional and calcium supplements. Freeda vitamins are available direct from the company, through kosher food websites or at kosher groceries.
Swanson Health Products
Swanson Health Products carries Star-K certification on its line of five kosher vitamins. Most vitamin capsules are cased in gelatin. The Orthodox Union reports that gelatin manufacturers source 90 percent of their product from pig bones and hide, which is not kosher. Swanson caplets are filled and coated with cellulose, a plant-based fiber. In addition to a multivitamin with 23 ingredients, Swanson also produces B-complex, probiotic complex, vitamin C with rose hips, and calcium citrate supplements.
Solgar
New Jersey-based Solgar produces supplements for the vegetarian and kosher markets. Maker of 120 different vitamins and supplements, Solgar's top-selling product is the Multi II Vegetable Capsule. The Multi II has 32 different nutrients and a blend of 19 amino acids. The capsules are formulated with cellulose and are certified Kosher by KOF-K Kosher Supervision. Solgar supplements can be purchased at grocery stores, natural food stores, and vitamin retailers nationwide.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is the world's largest natural and organic grocer and the ninth-largest grocery store in America. Star-K has certified 13 products carrying the Whole Foods Market or 365 Everyday Value name as kosher. Star-K has certified the kosher integrity of the store's protein powders, lecithin granules, nutritional yeast and psyllium fiber.
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