There are many reasons people choose a vegan lifestyle, may it be due to ethical or health reasons. Regardless of why one chooses this lifestyle, vegans don’t eat animal products like eggs, dairy, or meat. As a result, they may lack the specific vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain proper health.
Fortunately, supplements from reputable stores offer various vitamins that help keep vegans nourished and energized, such as Energetix from Supplement First, among others. But what exactly are the supplements vegans need? We list them down below.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential supplements for vegans as it maintains numerous bodily processes. It plays a role in the formation of red blood cells. Furthermore, it helps in metabolizing proteins and supporting healthy nervous systems.
While anyone can have low levels of this vitamin, vegans are at higher risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency because there aren’t as many vegan sources.
Furthermore, humans would absorb and use this vitamin differently, with some meat-eaters even suffering from a deficiency if their bodies can’t absorb vitamin B12 adequately. Also, our ability to use the vitamin would decline as we grow older.
After talking with your doctor about your recommended daily intake, it’s essential to take in a vitamin B12 supplement from reputable stores like supplementfirst.com. You can also find vitamin B12 in vegan sources like nutritional yeast, nori, tofu, and other soy products.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a fantastic source of healthy fats. While vegan diets have high levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids, some experience low levels as well.
With proper amounts of omega-3 fatty acids daily, you can reap the following benefits:
- Help neurodevelopment in children
- Prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis
It’s important to note that essential omega-3 fatty acids need to come from our diet as our bodies can’t make them ourselves. While you can find these fatty acids in canola oil, soy products, and flaxseed, it’s recommended to take an omega-3 supplement to get vegan sources of other essential fatty acids.
Calcium
Calcium is an important nutrient some vegans may lack. This nutrient plays a crucial role in forming healthy bones and teeth, as well as maintaining proper heart health and muscle function.
Unfortunately, vegans experience the lowest calcium levels compared to vegetarians and omnivores. If you do not get enough calcium from your diet, you might want to consider supplements, which come in capsule and powder form. We also recommend taking vitamin D with calcium, which boosts absorption.
Zinc
Zinc is vital for our immune system and metabolism, and you can find various plant-based sources of this nutrient.
Not all vegans experience low levels of zinc, but they tend to have lower levels overall. Furthermore, phytates, which are plant compounds, may impair this nutrient’s absorption.
Wrapping It Up
If you are vegan, do talk with your doctor about the supplements you need to take to maintain proper health.
