Pepto-Bismol is a popular medication used to treat stomach problems. However, for vegans, the question arises about whether it contains any animal-derived ingredients.
This article dives deeper into Pepto-Bismol’s ingredients and whether it is vegan and dairy-free.
1. Note: Pepto Bismol
Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps and Pepto-Bismol Diarrhea LiquiCaps are not vegan or vegetarian due to the inclusion of gelatin. However, other versions do not contain animal by-products, and no versions of Pepto contain milk.
Is Pepto Bismol Vegan? Most Pepto-Bismol products are considered vegan, except for the LiquiCaps, which contain gelatin.
2. Ingredients of Pepto-Bismol
The active ingredient in most Pepto-Bismol products is bismuth subsalicylate, which manufacturers synthesize and consider vegan. While there are some “gray area” ingredients and one non-vegetarian ingredient (gelatin) found in some Pepto products, most of the inactive ingredients look fine for vegans.
3. Is Bismuth Subsalicylate Vegan?
Manufacturers synthetically produce bismuth subsalicylate from salicylic acid, which they can synthesize from thale cress or phenylalanine. They commercially produce salicylic acid using the bacteria E. coli. As a result, Pepto-Bismol’s active ingredient is considered vegan.
4. Pepto-Bismol and Animal Testing
Proctor & Gamble, the parent company of Pepto-Bismol, still do some animal testing. Hence, some of the most strict vegans may object to this.
5. Natural Alternatives to Pepto-Bismol
If you prefer natural remedies, you may consider alternatives to Pepto-Bismol such as ginger, chamomile tea, and probiotics.
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6. FAQs
Yes, Pepto-Bismol is gluten-free.
Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps contain gelatin, which is derived from boiled animal skins, hooves, and joints. However, other Pepto-Bismol products do not contain gelatin.
Children under the age of 12, pregnant or nursing women, and people allergic to aspirin should not use Pepto-Bismol.
No, Pepto-Bismol does not contain milk.
Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps contain gelatin, which is usually derived from boiled animal skins, hooves, and joints (usually pig or cow). Thus, Pepto-Bismol LiquiCaps are not vegan or vegetarian.
7. Summary
Most Pepto-Bismol products are considered vegan, except for the LiquiCaps, which contain gelatin. Pepto-Bismol is gluten-free and does not contain milk or pork.
Some vegans may avoid Pepto-Bismol due to Proctor & Gamble’s animal testing, while others may prefer natural
