Are you vegan and not sure if you need to take supplements?
As a vegan, you’re probably very aware of the fact that you have to be mindful of your nutrition and the types of foods you eat on a daily basis. While eating vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and nuts can help get you most of the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy, there are some nutrients that can be harder to get through food alone. This is why many vegans may choose to take supplements (even if they don’t think they need them). However, it’s important to understand what supplements you need and whether or not taking them is safe for your body.
Do vegetarians need to take supplements?
Being a vegetarian or vegan doesn’t automatically mean that a person is getting all of their vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and other nutrients in order to maintain optimal health. In fact, they should be taking some sort of supplement in order to avoid deficiencies. There are several issues vegetarians must contend with including eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, which can lead to malnutrition.
Do vegans need to take supplements?
Just because you’re eating a well-balanced diet doesn’t mean that your body is getting everything it needs. Some people are able to eat balanced diets but still aren’t able to get all of their nutrition from food alone, which can be especially difficult for vegans (and vegetarians). That’s why having a good understanding of what your body needs helps. If you find yourself worried about whether or not you’re getting enough nutrients, give us a call; we have an entire team of nutritional experts who can help you figure out what’s best for your specific health goals. We’d love nothing more than to see our clients succeed and thrive on their new plant-based lifestyles!
What are some of the most common deficiencies in vegans?
The two biggest deficiencies in vegans are vitamin B12 (which is found primarily in animal products, so it’s imperative that all vegetarians supplement their diets with B12) and omega-3 fatty acids (found mostly in fish). Other common nutrients missing from a vegan diet include calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, DHA/EPA and vitamin D. Most of these deficiencies can be corrected through supplementation or dietary changes. Vegan diets should also contain food sources rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C.
What is an easy way for me get these nutrients without taking pills or other products all day long?
Although it’s easy to get certain nutrients from food, there are several vitamins and minerals that vegans should supplement. One way for you to get these nutrients without taking pills or other products all day long is through a multivitamin, which will supply you with many of these vitamins in pill form.
So what should I be eating every day then?
Dietitians commonly advise vegans to supplement their diets with vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc, DHA (omega-3), iodine and creatine. Most of these can be found in a multivitamin powder or tablet. If you want to go for a more natural approach, here are some foods that are packed with nutrients that might otherwise be difficult for vegans to find.