3 Supplements Every Vegan Should Take
Here are three main supplements that every vegan should have in their kitchen cabinet to ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs on a plant-based diet!
Animal ingredients can hide under seemingly innocent names like gelatin, magnesium stearate, lanolin, carmine and others.
We've linked lists of vegan-friendly brands so you can rest assured you are meeting your nutrient needs without the use of any animal by-products!
Vitamin B12
Nicknamed the “energy vitamin”, B12 is needed for a variety of body functions, including energy production, the creation of red blood cells (which transport oxygen), DNA synthesis, and the creation of myelin, the protective coating on nerves that keeps them safe and allows them to send messages all throughout your body!
Because few plant-based foods provide enough of this vitamin, those who don’t supplement B12 are at risk of unpleasant side effects like fatigue, anemia, digestive inflammation, tingling and numbness of the extremities, memory problems, behavioral changes, and other serious risks like blindness and brain degeneration.
These Sublingual B12 Drops by Salt Lake Supplements are an easy way to get in your daily dose of B12!
Here's our other top picks for the best vegan-friendly B12 supplements
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet light of the sun. It circulates as a hormone in the blood, regulating the concentration of calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream and the remodeling of bone.
Depending on your location in the world and the season, it may be necessary to supplement with Vitamin D to ensure your levels are where they need to be.
In locations above 42 degrees north latitude, vitamin D production does not occur from late October through early March, so you may want to consider taking a daily supplement providing at least 600 IU.
Our favorite brand is Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 Gummies.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (DHA/EPA)
Omega-3 fats are a crucial part of any diet, vegan or otherwise! They help regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, immune function, and many other body processes!
There are three types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
ALA can be found in a variety of plant foods, such as walnuts, chia, and flax seeds. However, EPA and DHA come mostly from non-vegan sources like eggs and fatty fish.
The human body can convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, however this process is not efficient. Human conversion of ALA into EPA ranges from 8% to 20%.
Conversion of ALA to DHA ranges from 1% to 9%. For this reason, you may want to supplement omega-3 to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient.
We have created a simple guide for buying the perfect vegan supplement for your needs here!
Our go-to brand on this list is Ovega-3 Vegetarian Softgels.
Other Vegan Supplements
Other helpful, although not critical, supplements that you can take to improve your health can be found in our articles:
Best Vegan Probiotic Supplements
Best Vegan Medicinal Mushroom Supplements
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Thanks for living vegan and have a healthy day!