While on a vegan diet, it is important to make sure you are filling those nutritional gaps with vitamins and supplements. One common concern about vegan diets is whether they provide your body with all the minerals it needs.
Below is a list of key supplements that you should consider if you are on a vegan diet. Also, you will be happy to know that most of these vitamins can be found in several LIFEAID products - all of which are vegan. So if you don’t like swallowing pills, you will be pleased to know that you can simply drink your vitamins.
Vitamin B-12
This vitamin can only be found in animal products, like meat, dary, and eggs. Plant foods do not have B12 which means all vegans need to regularly supplement B12. The best way to do this is either by eating fortified foods or taking a B12 vitamin.
Iron
While many vegan foods contain iron, plant-based iron is not absorbed very well by your body. Because of this, vegans need to eat more iron-rich foods than people who eat animal proteins.
Vitamin D
This is different from other vitamins because your body can make it from sunlight. You can also get it from a few animal foods, like fatty fish and eggs.
Calcium
Vegan diets completely exclude dairy, a common source of calcium. Plant-based sources of calcium need to be added to support a healthy vegan diet.
Iodine
This mineral is vital for thyroid, bone, and brain health. Iodine deficiency in the United States is rare because most people are able to get enough iodine from iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products. In some cases, vegans can have low iodine levels.
Zinc
Zinc is a nutrient that is important for health. It is found in both animal and plant foods. Vegans can sometimes have a hard time getting enough zinc in their diets because they do not eat animal products. Eating beans and grains can also make it hard for your body to absorb zinc.
