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The 6 Best Vegan Supplements

Published August 07, 2015

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 VeganSafe™ B12, a vegan-friendly formula that contains two of the most bioactive forms of the vitamin.

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!

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.

4. 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]

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]

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?

But what do you take to maintain your health? Tell us in the comments below!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM