The 6 Best Vegan Supplements
As a vegan, making sure you get adequate nutrition is very important. Since many vitamins and minerals are more readily available from animal sources, it’s important to know how taking certain supplements could affect your health. Fortunately, a vegan diet can be quite nutritious and contain most of the essential nutrients you need. Still, there are some minerals and vitamins you may be missing. Here are just a few of the best supplements every vegan (and non-vegan) should know about.
Six Vegan Supplements You Should Have
Being a vegan has its share of benefits, but there are also some drawbacks you should be aware of. Vegan diets are missing crucial nutrients, like vitamin B12 and even vitamin D, so supplementing should definitely be on every vegan’s mind. While plant foods do provide an assortment of nutrients, some of them may be on the low end. Here’s six supplements you should be considering taking if you’re following the vegan lifestyle:
1. B12
One of the essential B-complex nutrients, B12 maintains brain and nervous system health. But getting enough is crucial, since low levels could also lead to anemia or even pregnancy complications. [1] [2] Unfortunately for vegans, it can be difficult getting enough B12 from plant sources; however, a vegan B12 supplement could be a great option. I highly recommend supplementing with our Vitamin B12. This certified organic liquid contains methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, but also contains hydroxocobalamin for long-lasting, sustained support with 5,000 mcg of B12 per serving.
2. Iron
Since your red blood cells use iron to transport oxygen and nutrients, not getting enough could lead to anemia. Of the two types of iron, non-heme, found in plant sources, is harder for the body to absorb. What this means is that vegans and vegetarians can have lower iron stores in the blood. This is why supplementing with iron is so important. Also, keep in mind that eating non-heme iron foods with vitamin C foods can actually increase absorption! If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, a plant-based supplement like Iron can help you meet your daily requirements.
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3. Zinc
Found in every cell in the body, zinc helps with everything from maintaining your immune system to aiding reproduction. [3] And, while zinc can be found in vegetable sources, phytates in plants can actually bind to the mineral and weaken absorption. Taking additional zinc is highly recommended for vegetarians and vegans because of this. Since the body lacks any kind of zinc storage system, zinc orotate is one form that passes quickly and easily through cell membranes, allowing the body to get the most of the mineral.
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Shop Now4. Enzymes
No matter what your diet, supplementing with enzymes can provide your body a great deal of help. There are some studies that suggest proteolytic enzymes could reduce irritation in the body, while digestive enzymes help digest food molecules into nutrients. [4] [5] For example, someone who is lactose intolerant could take the enzyme lactase in order to better digest dairy. As a vegan (or vegetarian), it’s especially important to make sure your enzyme supplement isn’t sourced from animal products; a high-quality, full-spectrum supplement like VeganZyme® could be just the thing you need.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a necessary vitamin for calcium absorption, but many of us – regardless of diet – simply don’t get enough. While calcium can be found fairly easily in the diet, vitamin D can be a little trickier. In fact, many vegans don’t get any vitamin D at all from the food they eat. Studies suggest vitamin D is actually just as important as calcium when it comes to reducing osteoporosis risk, so make sure you’re getting enough of both. [6] Check out Global Healing's Vitamin D3 if you're looking for a potent vegan vitamin D supplement.
6. Iodine
Everyone needs iodine to function; it’s necessary for a healthy thyroid and too little intake can throw metabolic functions out of whack. It might seem strange, but your body can’t produce iodine on its own. Your only options are getting it from trace amounts in food and supplements. Vegans are especially vulnerable, because research suggests that iodine occurs in only minute amounts in plants. [7] Our iodine supplement Detoxadine® is something that may help if you find you're iodine intake isn't the best.
Give Your Vegan Diet a Boost
Supplements will provide your vegan lifestyle an extra boost, supporting your overall health, energy, and well being. And don’t think these tips are just meant for vegans – these 6 supplements could help anyone needing an extra advantage in their health. Why not give them a try?
References (7)
- Molloy, A. M. et al. Effects of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies during pregnancy on fetal, infant, and child development. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 29 (2 Supplement).
- VanderJagt, D. J. et al. Assessment of the Vitamin B12 Status of Pregnant Women in Nigeria Using Plasma Holotranscobalamin. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Favier, A. E. The role of zinc in reproduction. Hormonal mechanisms. Biological Trace Element Research. 32.
- Brien, S. et al. Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 1 (3).
- Viswanatha Swamy, A. & Patil, P. A. Effect of Some Clinically Used Proteolytic Enzymes on Inflammation in Rats. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 70 (1).
- Barr, S. I et al. Spinal bone mineral density in premenopausal vegetarian and nonvegetarian women: cross-sectional and prospective comparisons. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 98 (7).
- Krajcovicová-Kudlácková M et al. Iodine deficiency in vegetarians and vegans. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism. 47 (5).
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
