| 1 | Vitamin B12 | Fermentation-derived cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin; available in tablets, capsules, and drops. | Vitamin ingredient manufacturers and finished-product contract manufacturers | Check the source of the active ingredient and confirm that capsule shells, carriers, and processing aids meet the required vegetarian standard. | B12 is a commonly considered nutrient for people following fully plant-based diets. Check the product's permitted claims, labeling, and applicable requirements before sale. |
| 2 | Vitamin D | Vitamin D2 is commonly produced from fungi or yeast. Vitamin D3 may be sourced from lichen; other D3 sources can be animal-derived. | Vitamin ingredient suppliers and supplement manufacturers | Ask for a written source declaration: the label term “vitamin D3” alone does not establish a vegetarian source. | Source documentation and accurate labeling are important when positioning products for vegetarian consumers. |
| 3 | Omega-3 DHA and EPA | Oil from cultivated microalgae; some products supply DHA, while others provide DHA and EPA. | Algal-oil producers, specialty-oil suppliers, and softgel or capsule manufacturers | Confirm that the oil is algal rather than fish-derived, and check the capsule shell for gelatin. | Algal oil provides a non-fish source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Review oxidation, stability, and storage specifications. |
| 4 | Iron | Common supplemental forms include ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate. | Mineral ingredient suppliers and tablet or capsule manufacturers | Mineral salts are generally not animal-derived, but verify excipients and any animal-derived processing aids in the finished product. | Iron products should be assessed for dose, ingredient quality, and permitted product category; avoid unsupported health claims. |
| 5 | Calcium | Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate; plant-derived calcium sources may also be offered. | Mineral ingredient suppliers and supplement manufacturers | Confirm the source of the calcium ingredient and check tablet binders, coatings, and capsule materials. | Compare elemental calcium content, serving size, and product specifications rather than relying only on the ingredient name. |
| 6 | Zinc | Common forms include zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, and zinc sulfate. | Mineral ingredient suppliers and finished-product manufacturers | Request ingredient and excipient declarations; vegetarian suitability depends on the full formulation, not just the mineral. | Check the declared zinc amount per serving and ensure product labeling follows the applicable Chinese rules. |
| 7 | Plant Protein | Pea, soy, rice, and blended plant proteins, supplied as powders or used in bars and drink mixes. | Plant-protein processors, ingredient distributors, and contract manufacturers | Check flavor systems, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and any dairy-derived ingredients in flavored blends. | Supplier specifications commonly include protein content, allergen information, microbiological criteria, and heavy-metal testing. |
| 8 | Probiotics | Live microbial strains supplied as powders, capsules, or sachets; strains and formulations vary by product. | Culture producers, probiotic ingredient suppliers, and specialized manufacturers | Check culture media, carriers, capsule shell, and other processing materials for animal-derived components where relevant. | Review strain identification, viable-count testing, shelf-life data, and storage conditions; requirements depend on the product category. |
| 9 | Multivitamin and Mineral Formulas | Blends of vitamins and minerals in tablets, capsules, powders, or gummies. | Premix suppliers and finished-product contract manufacturers | Audit every active ingredient and inactive component. Gelatin, some vitamin D3, and certain carriers may not be vegetarian-compatible. | Formulas and claims must be checked against the intended route to market and the relevant Chinese food or health-product regulations. |
| 10 | Dietary Fiber | Sources can include inulin, psyllium husk, resistant starch, and soluble fibers such as certain dextrins. | Fiber ingredient processors and powder or capsule manufacturers | Confirm the plant or fermentation source and review flavorings, carriers, and processing aids in blended products. | Check fiber content, ingredient specifications, and product-specific labeling requirements; formulation affects texture and solubility. |