Gelatin in Supplement

Question

Can I take a supplement that has gelatin in the capsule and does not have a hechsher? There aren’t other options with no gelatin for this specific supplement.

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Some authorities permit taking such supplements because collagen, which is what gelatin is made from, is extracted from the skin/bones of cows or pigs. It is then soaked and cooked, then filtered, refined and evaporated. The finished product is gelatin. During the manufacturing of gelatin, the animal extract becomes totally inedible, such that even a dog will no longer eat it. Food which even a dog won’t eat loses its status as food.

    However, there are authorities who forbid using such supplements. My personal opinion is that we should be careful with all items that we put in our mouths and we should only use supplements that have kashrut certification.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team