Vegetarians are unwittingly consuming animal products when they take pills and liquid medicines. Many pharmaceuticals include gelatine – used to bind or thicken drugs – that is derived from animal bones and skin, but at least a quarter of people who avoid meat are taking the drugs without realising their contents.
Researchers from Manchester Royal Infirmary wants the pharmaceutical industry to introduce better and clearer labelling – possibly including icons – so people can quickly see the ingredients.
The researchers surveyed 500 people in the inner-Manchester area, 200 of whom avoided meat because they were vegetarians, or for other cultural, dietary or religious reasons. Of the 200 vegetarians, 49 were already taking drugs that contained gelatine.
The researchers point out that there are plenty of vegetarian alternatives that could be used by drug manufacturers.
(Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2012; doi: 10.1136/postgraduatej-2011-130306).
