![]() ![]() Tweens (a series of synthetic emulsifiers) are sometimes used to coat and polish tablets. For halal and kosher products, manufacturers can use stearates obtained from plant sources. Stearates from animal sources may be used as free-flow agents in powders, or tableting aids in tablets. However, gelatin-free products made from vegetable materials could be halal, kosher as well as vegetarian (vegan)-all at the same time. Kosher-certified gelatin (bovine and fish) also is available. Halal gelatin, cellulose or starch can be used instead of porcine gelatin. Gelatin is very commonly used to make capsules, both softgel and two-piece hard shell. Manufacturers also may use halal or kosher bovine gelatin or plant gums as encapsulating materials. Some companies use fish gelatin for encapsulation, which makes the product halal as well as kosher. Only some of the ingredients with potential concern for halal and kosher standing, as well as the type of products in which they may be used, are discussed.įlavors and colorants may have hidden alcohol or ingredients from haram or traif animal origin, like civet oil, in the formulations.īeta-carotene ingredients often use small quantities of gelatin to encapsulate the beta-carotene and to protect its color and other characteristics. It is beyond the scope of this article to describe the halal and kosher status of every ingredient used in this industry. Companies may use several thousand different ingredients in a given time period. Ingredient databases often are comprised of thousands of entries. ![]() Moreover, there are many alternative forms of multivitamins such as tablets, liquids, vegetable capsules, etc., so one does not have to take vitamins in gelatin capsules. However, multivitamins and other dietary supplements are not normally taken to cure serious illness, but to improve one's health. ![]() If a drug is available in capsule form only, one is obligated to take it. Prescription drugs generally do not have alternative products available to replace a prescribed drug. Medicine that is used to cure a disease or to help overcome illness is considered exempt from halal food regulations. Muslim consumers consider pork gelatin haram, and it is unacceptable to most Orthodox Jewish consumers as well. Gelatin capsules, unless certified halal and/or kosher or labeled bovine, are generally made of pork gelatin. For example, some people may take a prescription medicine in a potentially prohibited gelatin capsule. The purpose of this article is not to determine the effectiveness of these products, but to reflect on their compositions and determine if any of the components present a problem for the Muslim and Jewish consumers.Īlthough both the Islamic and Jewish traditions allow one to consume a religiously questionable product as a medicine under compulsion, consumers generally avoid knowingly taking anything that is religiously doubtful. The line between pharmaceuticals (products that heal) and nutraceuticals (products that help maintain well-being) are becoming blurred. In the past several decades, the number of supplements available to consumers through specialty stores, supermarkets and especially through multi-level marketing has seen tremendous growth worldwide. Although kosher and halal requirements are similar, there are significant differences between the two. Kosher means the food is fit or proper for consumption by Jewish consumers, while "traif"? means it is not kosher. Halal means permitted or lawful, and haram means forbidden or unlawful. Muslims use two major terms to describe food, halal and haram. Similarly, food consumed by Jews is called kosher food. Food consumed by Muslims meets the Islamic dietary code and is called halal food.
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